Where the aesthetics funds come from

From ODOT-

We understand the current economic environment leads to many questions about how public money is spent. It is often challenging to understand the restrictions placed on dedicated funding. Even within ODOT, frustrations are voiced when money targeted for modernization improvements can't be spent on pavement preservation. We have received questions about how the design enhancements are funded and would like to provide more information for you.



The Interstate 5 Willamette River Bridge will cost approximately $201 million to replace. The money comes from two funding sources: a state funding package called the Oregon Transportation Investment Act III, and a federal funding package called SAFETEA-LU, which stands for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.



These transportation funds were allocated in 2003 and 2005, respectively, specifically for this project; the money cannot be diverted to other projects or other uses. The federal SAFETEA-LU funding requires the Oregon Department of Transportation to build a bridge that is both functional and visually pleasing.



From the beginning of the design process, community members have told us that the location and size of this bridge warrant special attention and asked us to include design enhancements that complement the bridge and reflect its unique location.



Less than one percent of the total project budget was allocated for design enhancements and we plan to complete that work under budget. Approximately $50,000 of the design enhancement budget will be reserved to pay for ongoing maintenance.



Throughout the decision making process, the public has been represented by a Community Advisory Group, made up of members of key community organizations, such as neighborhood associations, the Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area, and the Project Development Team, made up of representatives from ODOT, Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield, and a CAG member.



We’ve worked with these groups to ensure the new bridges and their surroundings reflect community values and the natural beauty of the Willamette Valley and the river.



Community stakeholders continue to be involved in making decisions about the design enhancements for the project area. Later this month, a selection committee of local volunteers will consider your comments as they finalize a recommendation to the CAG and PDT, which will in turn make a recommendation to ODOT.