Exhibit A Staff Report

US 199 Expressway Plan (Preferred Alternative selected from the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project’s

2007 Revised Environmental Assessment)

November 2014

Requested Action Region 3 requests the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) to adopt the US 199 Expressway Plan as a facility plan to implement Policy 3C of the Oregon Highway Plan (OHP).

Findings of compliance in support of this action are found in Exhibit B. The adoption of the US 199 Expressway Plan will constitute an amendment to the OHP.

Background The OHP classifies US 199 (Redwood Highway) as a Statewide Highway and as an ORS

366.215 Freight Route. The OHP designates the segment of US 199 between SW Tussey Lane (Mile Point 0.20) and the Applegate River Bridge (Mile Point 6.92) as an Expressway. For the past decade, the expressway experienced a crash rate that was consistently higher than the statewide average for similar facilities. In 2007, the Revised Environmental Assessment (REA) for the Highway 199 Expressway Upgrade Project was circulated for review. In April 2008, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) distributed the REA and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Highway 199 Expressway Upgrade Project (Key No. 14019).

The US 199 Expressway Plan is the Preferred Alternative selected from the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project’s 2007 Revised Environmental Assessment (REA). It addresses a segment of US 199 (Redwood Highway) designated as an Expressway from SW Tussey Lane (Mile Point 0.20) to Midway Avenue (Mile Point 4.44). Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass participated on the Project Development Team (PDT) for the REA. The PDT received all supporting materials as it became available, and Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass determined the Preferred Alternative compatible with their comprehensive plans. Letters of support from the county and city for the Preferred Alternative are included in the REA’s appendix. The REA also includes an access management strategy. The strategy does not include access management key principles because it was completed prior to the effective date of Senate Bill 408. In August 2014, staff presented the Preferred Alternative to the State Freight Industry Stakeholders Committee and received support.

Plan Purpose and Function The US 199 Expressway Plan (aka Preferred Alternative) addresses vehicular and pedestrian safety and operational deficiencies along US 199 between SW Tussey Lane (Mile Point 0.20) and Midway Avenue (Mile Point 4.58). It meets ODOT’s Mission Statement: “Provide a safe, efficient transportation system that supports economic opportunity and livable communities for Oregonians”. It identifies transportation needs and opportunities for all travel modes, and includes strategies to preserve and improve highway safety and capacity consistent with the Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway performance targets and access spacing

Staff Report Page 1 US 199 Expressway Plan November 2014 standards. Additionally, improvements were developed consistent with Josephine County’s and the City of Grants Pass’s land use and transportation policies.

Goals and Objectives The Preferred Alternative includes the following Goals to address the expressway deficiencies:

Provide safe turnout locations for school buses and other service vehicles that use the roadway shoulders by minimizing deviations from design standards.

Address all users (local, through and tourism) and local street impacts.

Accommodate freight access to commercial and industrial properties and minimizes flow interruptions, especially for large trucks.

Improve connectivity of bike and pedestrian facilities across and adjacent to the highway;

provide safe, convenient, bicycle and pedestrian travel; and reduce conflicts between vehicle traffic and bicycle and pedestrian users.

Avoid or minimize impacts to fish and wildlife and wetlands, and reduce visual clutter along the expressway.

Improvements can be constructed in phases while adding incremental transportation benefits to the system.

Traffic Analysis The traffic analysis was forecasted to the year 2025 to analyze future conditions and take into account the growth that is anticipated and consistent with the Josephine County and City of Grants Pass land use plans. Future growth was based on the travel demand model using the current adopted land use and projected local street connections as submitted by the city and county.

Congestion at intersections was analyzed by calculating the volume-to-capacity (v/c) ratio. Most of the congestion along the expressway occurs between 6th Street and Dowell Road. There are eight (8) intersections in this congested area where US 199 intersects with public roads: 6th

Street, Tussey Lane, Henderson Lane, Ringuette Street, Fairgrounds Road, Redwood Avenue, Allen Creek Road, and Dowell Road. The traffic analysis concludes that ten (10) intersections would fail to meet the OHP v/c performance target of 0.70 in year 2025 without any improvements. It concludes that the Preferred Alternative would reduce the number of failing intersections by half.

Plan Improvements and Measures The Preferred Alternative identifies improvements split into three (3) segments:

Segment 1 – Midway to Dowell Road.

Segment 2 – Dowell Road to Fairgrounds Road.

Segment 3 - Fairgrounds Road to SW Tussey Lane. ODOT has completed improvements in Segments 1 and 2, and minor improvements in Segment 3.

Segment 1 included a full length barrier with full turn movements allowed on US 199 at the Hubbard Lane and Midway Avenue intersections; a turn restriction on US 199 at the Willow Lane intersection; a turn restriction on US 199 at the Rogue Community College access point;

and improvements to Hubbard Lane south of US 199 to Demeray Drive.

Staff Report Page 2

Segment 2 included a transition from four (4) travel lanes to six (6) travel lanes separated by a raised median barrier. The US 199 intersection at Allen Creek Road remained signalized and was expanded to include three (3) through lanes with exclusive left and right turn lanes for eastbound traffic . There were three (3) through lanes westbound with the right most lanes allowing for right turns, and with dual exclusive left turn lanes.

Segment 3 maintains six (6) travel lanes with a raised curb median continuing between travel directions. Where permitted, direct access to US 199 was reduced and only allowed as right in/right out movements. The existing signal at Fairgrounds Road would be removed and the movement converted into an unsignalized right in/right out. The US 199 intersection at Ringuette Street would be improved to have three (3) through travel lanes westbound with an exclusive left turn and a free-flowing right turn lane. Eastbound would have three (3) through travel lanes with dual left and exclusive right turn lanes, while northbound and southbound would have single through lanes, exclusive right turn lanes and single (southbound) or dual (northbound) left turn lanes.

Access Management Measures The Preferred Alternative’s access management strategy improves safety at the existing access points by defining driveways with curb, gutter and sidewalk, installing non-traversable medians as well as combining driveways for adjacent properties for the three (3) segments. It improves US 199 efficiency, particularly in the Fairgrounds Road to SW Tussey Lane segment where many properties on the north side of US 199 had conflict points where vehicle collisions could occur.

Public Involvement The REA used an open and on-going public and agency involvement process that included various representatives and stakeholders participating on the Project Development Team (PDT) and Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).

Public Process – The REA completes the Environmental Assessment (EA), which was circulated for public review during a 30-day beginning January 22, 2007, and the Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Supplemental EA), which was circulated for the public review during a 30-day period beginning December 5, 2007.

Committee Involvement – From December 2004 through January 2005, members of the CAC and PDT were sought out and meetings with each committee were initiated in February 2005.

These committees, members of the public, and various governmental agencies were involved in developing alternative solutions to the identified transportation problems on US 199. The CAC represented multiple stakeholder interests such as residents, commuters, business owners, property owners and special interests groups in Grants Pass and Josephine County. The PDT represented Josephine County, the City of Grants Pass, Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce, Oregon State Police, freight/trucking industry and numerous interested citizens. The PDT considered recommendations forwarded by the CAC, which usually met one (1) day in advance of the PDT meetings. In addition to the input recommendations and decisions made by these committees, ODOT also coordinated with and incorporated input from other governmental agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), ODOT technical specialists, and

Staff Report Page 3 a CAC representative into project decisions. In August 2014, the Preferred Alternative was presented to the State Freight Industry Stakeholder Committee and received support.

Citizen Involvement - During 2007, ODOT staff advertised the REA in newspaper articles and advertisements, radio and television broadcasts, and project website updates. A total of seventeen

(17) CAC and PDT meetings were hosted for the EA and Supplemental EA beginning February 10, 2005 to January 31, 2008. Three (3) CAC and PDT meetings were hosted for the REA between June and August 2007, and public open houses were conducted on February 8, 2007 and December 19, 2007.

Summary of Draft Findings ODOT’s State Agency Coordination Agreement requires that the OTC adopt findings of fact when adopting facility plans (OAR 731-015-0065). Pursuant to these requirements, ODOT has developed findings to support the OTC adopting the US 199 Expressway Plan as a facility plan.

For all applicable policies, the adoption of the US 199 Expressway Plan as the Preferred Alternative selected from the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project’s 2007 Revised Environmental Assessment has been found to be compatible with adopted state and local policies.

Exhibit B Findings of Compliance for the adoption of the US 199 Expressway Plan is attached and address compliance with state and local plans, policies, and ordinances/statutes/rules.

Staff Report Page 4

Exhibit B

Findings of Compliance with OAR 731-0015-0065 US 199 Expressway Plan

(Preferred Alternative selected from the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project’s

2007 Revised Environmental Assessment)

ODOT’s State Agency Coordination Agreement requires that the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) adopt findings of fact when adopting facility plans. In 2007, ODOT in coordination with the City of the Grants Pass and Josephine County developed the Revised Environmental Assessment (REA) for the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project. The US 199 Expressway Plan is the Preferred Alternative selected from the REA.

Pursuant to these requirements, ODOT provides the following findings to support the OTC amending the Oregon Highway Plan (OHP) to adopt the US 199 Expressway Plan as a facility plan. This facility plan, attached as Exhibit C, shall be adopted into the OHP.

SECTION 1. OAR 731-015-0065 - Coordination Procedures for Adopting Final Facility Plans

(1) Except in the case of minor amendments, the Department shall involve DLCD and affected metropolitan planning organizations, cities, counties, state and federal agencies, special districts and other interested parties in the development or amendment of a facility plan. This involvement may take the form of mailings, meetings or other means that the Department determines are appropriate for the circumstances. The Department shall hold at least one (1) public meeting on the plan prior to adoption.

Finding 1: OAR 731-015-0065(2) requires ODOT to provide a draft of a proposed facility plan to affected jurisdictions, and request a compatibility determination with the jurisdiction’s acknowledged comprehensive plan. If no reply is received within 30 days, the facility plan may be deemed compatible with the local jurisdiction’s plan. The US 199 Expressway Plan is the Preferred Alternative selected from the 2007 Revised Environmental Assessment (REA) for the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project. The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass were involved in the development of the REA and selection of the Preferred Alternative. The REA was not coordinated with the Middle Rogue Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) because the MVMPO was not in existence at the time the REA was prepared. Additionally, the MVMPO does not have an adopted Regional Transportation Plan for a compatibility determination. Compatibility determinations for the REA were made by Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass, and both jurisdictions determined the Preferred Alternative to be compatible with their comprehensive plans and TSPs. A letter dated October 8, 2007 from the City of Grants Pass is provided in the REA’s Appendix B. A letter dated April 2, 2007 from the County is also provided in the REA’s Appendix B.

The REA used an open and on-going public and agency involvement process that included various representatives and stakeholders participating on the Project Development Team (PDT) and Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). These committees were sent copies of reference materials as they became available. An integrated, inter-departmental (local and state) planning and decision-making procedure completed the public process to get a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Preferred Alternative. The REA used the following public involvement process to select the Preferred Alternative.

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

Public Process - The REA completes the Environmental Assessment (EA), which was circulated for public review during a 30-day beginning January 22, 2007, and the Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Supplemental EA), which was circulated for the public review during a 30-day period beginning December 5, 2007. The REA describes the Preferred Alternative and reasons for its recommendation, provides a summary of the proposed mitigation and conservation measures identifies additions and changes to the EA and Supplemental EA, summarizes public involvement and agency coordination, and includes comments on the EA and Supplemental EA and ODOT responses to the comments.

Committee Involvement – From December 2004 through January 2005, members of the CAC and PDT were sought out and meetings with each committee were initiated in February 2005. These committees, members of the public, and various governmental agencies were involved in developing alternative solutions to the identified transportation problems on US 199. The CAC represented multiple stakeholder interests such as residents, commuters, business owners, property owners and special interests groups in Grants Pass and Josephine County. The PDT represented Josephine County, the City of Grants Pass, Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce, Oregon State Police, freight/trucking industry and numerous interested citizens. The PDT considered recommendations forwarded by the CAC, which usually met one day in advance of the PDT meetings. In addition to the input recommendations, and decisions made by these committees, ODOT also coordinated with and incorporated input from other governmental agencies including representatives from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), ODOT technical specialists, and a CAC representative into project decisions. On February 1, 2008, the PDT met to recommend the Preferred Alternative to the FHWA. Before voting, the PDT considered the CAC recommendation, a review of public comment received on all alternatives during the EA and Supplemental EA public review periods, technical presentations on the features of each alternative, public comment at the meeting, and deliberation among PDT members. On August 1, 2014, the Preferred Alternative was presented to the State Freight Industry Stakeholder Committee and received support.

Citizen Involvement - During 2007, ODOT staff advertised the REA in newspaper articles and advertisements, radio and television broadcasts, and project website updates. A total of seventeen (17) CAC and PDT meetings were hosted for the EA and Supplemental EA beginning February 10, 2005 to January 31, 2008. Three (3) CAC and PDT meetings were hosted for the REA between June and August 2007, and public open houses were conducted on February 8, 2007 and December 19, 2007.

(2) The Department shall provide a draft of the proposed facility plan to planning representatives of all affected cities, counties and metropolitan planning organization and shall request that they identify any specific plan requirements, which apply, any general plan requirements, which apply, and whether the draft facility plan is compatible with the acknowledged comprehensive plan. If no reply is received from an affected city, county or metropolitan planning organization within 30-days of the Department's request for a compatibility determination, the Department shall deem that the draft plan is compatible with that jurisdiction's acknowledged comprehensive plan. The Department may extend the reply time if requested to do so by an affected city, county or metropolitan planning organization.

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

Finding 2: The Preferred Alternative lies within the City of Grants Pass and Josephine County planning jurisdictions. The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass were involved in the development of the REA and selection of the Preferred Alternative. The REA was not coordinated with the Middle Rogue Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) because the MVMPO was not in existence at the time the REA was prepared. Additionally, the MVMPO does not have an adopted Regional Transportation Plan for a compatibility determination. In the City’s jurisdiction, the Preferred Alternative is considered an exempt project and a formal building permit or additional land use action is not required. A letter dated October 8, 2007 from the City of Grants Pass is provided in the REA’s Appendix B. In the letter, the City states that the widening of Redwood Highway from 6th Street to seven miles west is identified as a state project in Chapter 4 (Roadway Element) of the Grants Pass Urban Area Master Transportation Plan. In the County’s jurisdiction, the Preferred Alternative involves work within the ODOT right of way and, therefore, no review or permits are required from the County. A letter dated April 2, 2007 from the County is also provided in the REA’s Appendix B. In the letter, the County states that they have looked at the portion of the Preferred Alternative that is outside the city and UGB, and finds this work involves existing right of way. The project is, therefore, outside the land use jurisdiction of Josephine County. No further review or permits are required. The REA concluded that the Preferred Alternative is compatible with the County’s and City’s comprehensive plans and TSPs, and that no land use plan amendments or zone changes are required for the Preferred Alternative.

(3) If any statewide goal or comprehensive plan conflicts are identified, the Department shall meet with the local government planning representatives to discuss ways to resolve the conflicts. These may include:

(a) Changing the draft facility plan to eliminate the conflicts;

(b) Working with the local governments to amend the local comprehensive plans to eliminate the conflicts; or

(c) Identifying the conflicts in the draft facility plan and including policies that commit the

Department to resolving the conflicts prior to the conclusion of the transportation planning program for the affected portions of the transportation facility.

Finding 3: The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass were involved in the development of the REA and selection of the Preferred Alternative. The REA was not coordinated with the Middle Rogue Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) because the MVMPO was not in existence at the time the REA was prepared.

Additionally, the MVMPO does not have an adopted Regional Transportation Plan for a compatibility determination. The REA concluded that the Preferred Alternative is compatible with the County’s and City’s comprehensive plans and TSPs, and that no land use plan amendments or zone changes are required for the Preferred Alternative. In addition to the local planning regulations, there are several other applicable state plans and regulations. Applicable Land Use, Transportation and Other Planning Regulations include the Oregon Transportation Plan, Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, Oregon Highway Plan, Oregon Statewide Planning Goals, and Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 366.514. The REA also concluded that the Preferred Alternative complies with these applicable state plans and regulations.

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

(4) The Department shall evaluate and write draft findings of compatibility with acknowledged comprehensive plans of affected cities and counties, findings of compliance with any statewide planning goals which specifically apply as determined by OAR 660-030-0065(3)(d), and findings of compliance with all provisions of other statewide planning goals that can be clearly defined if the comprehensive plan of an affected city or county contains no conditions specifically applicable or any general provisions, purposes or objectives that would be substantially affected by the facility plan.

Finding 4: This document comprises the findings of compliance with applicable statewide planning goals and compatibility with the local comprehensive plan of the affected local jurisdictions (See Section 2 and 3 below).

(5) The Department shall present to the Transportation Commission the draft plan, findings of compatibility with the acknowledged comprehensive plans of the affected cities and counties and findings of compliance with applicable statewide planning goals.

Finding 5: These draft findings are submitted for the Commission’s consideration and adoption. These findings address compliance with applicable statewide planning goals and compatibility with the local comprehensive plan of the affected local jurisdictions (See Section 2 and 3 below).

(6) The Transportation Commission shall adopt findings of compatibility with the acknowledged comprehensive plans of affected cities and counties and findings of compliance with applicable statewide planning goals when it adopts the final facility plan.

Finding 6: These draft findings are submitted for the Commission’s consideration and adoption. These findings address compliance with applicable statewide planning goals and compatibility with the local comprehensive plan of the affected local jurisdictions (See Section 2 and 3 below).

(7) The Department shall provide copies of the adopted final facility plan and findings to DLCD, to affected metropolitan planning organizations, cities, counties, state and federal agencies, special districts and to others who request to receive a copy.

Finding 7: Staff will provide copies of the US 199 Expressway Management Plan (aka Preferred Alternative selected from the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project’s 2007 Revised Environmental Assessment), including all required findings, to DLCD, the affected local jurisdictions, and others who request a copy. The following findings are organized into three (3) categories:

Category 1 - Compatibility o Josephine County Transportation System Plan o City of Grants Pass Transportation System Plan

Category 2 - Compliance o Statewide Planning Goals which specifically apply o Other Statewide Planning Goals that can be clearly defined

Category 3 - Consistency o Oregon Transportation Plan o Oregon Highway Plan o Highway Design Manual

SECTION 2. Compatibility with Acknowledged County and City Comprehensive Plans

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is the official long-range land use policy document for Josephine County and City of Grants Pass. It sets forth general land use planning policies and allocates land uses to resource, residential, commercial, and industrial categories. It serves as the basis for coordinated development of physical resources and the development or redevelopment of the county and city land uses based on physical, social, economic and environmental factors. It also establishes the purpose, map designation, criteria and the basis for determining the appropriate zoning for each land use.

The Transportation System Plan (TSP) establishes a system of transportation facilities and mobility standards that is adequate to meet Josephine County‘s and the City of Grants Pass’s transportation needs.

The TSP includes a determination of future transportation needs for road, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, air, water, rail, and pipeline systems; policies and regulations for the implementation of the TSP; and a transportation-funding program.

Finding 8: Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass participated in the REA’s Project Development Team (PDT). This committee was sent copies of all reference materials as they became available, including land use and transportation assumptions to ensure compatibility with the County and City Comprehensive Plans and TSPs. On February 1, 2008, the PDT met to recommend the Preferred Alternative to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Preferred Alternative is tailored to the planned land uses contained within Josephine County’s and the City of Grants Pass’s Comprehensive Plans, and the county’s and city’s future transportation needs identified in the TSPs. In the County’s jurisdiction, the Preferred Alternative involves work within the ODOT right of way and, therefore, no review or permits are required from the County. A letter from the County dated April 2, 2007 is provided in the REA’s Appendix B. In the City’s jurisdiction, the Preferred Alternative is considered an exempt project and a formal building permit or land use is not required. A letter dated October 8, 2007 from the City of Grants Pass is provided in the REA’s Appendix B. US 199 is designated as a state highway in the City and County TSPs. It is a designated expressway and classified as a freight route in the state TSP (OHP). The TSPs were developed to be consistent with the OHP and adopted the OHPs classifications, mobility targets and access standards for state highways. The Preferred Alternative was designed consistent with the OHP mobility targets, design standards and access management standards for a Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway. The REA concluded that the Preferred Alternative was compatible with the City and County’s Comprehensive Plans and TSPs, and determined that no comprehensive plan amendments or zone changes are required. As a result of the information presented in the REA, FHWA determined that the Preferred Alternative will not result in significant adverse environmental impacts, and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

SECTION 3. Compliance with Applicable Statewide Planning Goals Relevant statewide planning goals adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) include: Goal 1 (Citizen Involvement); Goal 2 (Land Use Planning); Goal 11 (Public Facilities);

Goal 12 (Transportation); and Goal 14 (Urbanization). The remaining fourteen (14) statewide planning goals were determined not applicable, because the US 199 Expressway Plan does not include any of the identified resources and/or the highway improvements do not impact any of the identified resources.

Statewide Planning Goal 1: Citizen Involvement.

Requirement: The Opportunity for Citizens to Be Involved in All Phases of the Planning Process.

Finding 9: The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), Josephine County and the City of Grants Pass were involved in the development of the REA and selection of the Preferred Alternative. The REA was not coordinated with the Middle Rogue Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) because the MVMPO was not in existence at the time the REA was prepared. Additionally, the MVMPO does not have an adopted Regional Transportation Plan for a compatibility determination. The REA used an open and on-going public and agency involvement process that included various representatives and stakeholders to participate on the Project Development Team (PDT) and Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). These committees were sent copies of all reference materials as they became available. An integrated, inter-departmental (local and state) planning and decision-making procedure completed the public process to get a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Public Process - The REA completes the Environmental Assessment (EA), which was circulated for public review during a 30-day beginning January 22, 2007, and the Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Supplemental EA), which was circulated for the public review during a 30-day period beginning December 5, 2007. The REA describes the Preferred Alternative and reasons for its recommendation, provides a summary of the proposed mitigation and conservation measures identifies additions and changes to the EA and Supplemental EA, summarizes public involvement and agency coordination, and includes comments on the EA and Supplemental EA and ODOT responses to the comments.

Committee Involvement – From December 2004 through January 2005, members of the CAC and PDT were sought out and meetings with each committee were initiated in February 2005. These committees, members of the public, and various governmental agencies were involved in developing alternative solutions to the identified transportation problems on US 199. The CAC represented multiple stakeholder interests such as residents, commuters, business owners, property owners and special interests groups in the Grants Pass vicinity. The PDT represented Josephine County, the City of Grants Pass, Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce, Oregon State Police, Freight/Trucking Industry and numerous interested citizens.

The PDT considered recommendations forwarded by the CAC, which usually met one day in advance of the PDT meetings. In addition to the input recommendations, and decisions made by these committees, ODOT staff coordinated with and incorporated input from other governmental agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), ODOT technical specialists, and a CAC representative into project decisions. On February 1, 2008, the PDT met to recommend the Preferred Alternative to the FHWA. Before voting, the PDT considered the CAC recommendation, a review of public comment received on all alternatives during the EA and Supplemental EA public review periods, technical presentations on the features of each alternative, public comment at the meeting, and deliberation among PDT members. On August 1, 2014, the draft US 199 Expressway Plan summarizing the REA’s Preferred

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

Alternative was presented to the State Freight Industry Stakeholder Committee and received support of the planning concepts.

Citizen Involvement - During 2007, ODOT staff advertised the REA in newspaper articles and advertisements, radio and television broadcasts, and project website updates. A total of seventeen (17) CAC and PDT meetings were held for the EA and Supplemental EA from February 10, 2005 to January 31, 2008. Three (3) CAC and PDT meetings were held for the REA between June and August 2007, and public open houses were conducted on February 8, 2007 and December 19, 2007.

Statewide Planning Goal 2: Land Use Planning.

Requirements: Establish A Land Use Planning Process And Policy Framework As The Basis For All Decisions And Actions Related To Use Of Land And To Assure An Adequate Factual Basis For Such Decisions And Actions.

Finding 10: The REA’s traffic analysis used Josephine County’s and the City of Grants Pass’s Comprehensive Plans planned land uses and zoning designations as assumptions in identifying future traffic volumes and transportation facility needs. The REA also used Josephine County’s and the City of Grants Pass’s TSPs existing and planned roadway network as assumptions in identifying future traffic volumes and transportation facility needs. The REA was not coordinated with the Middle Rogue Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) because the MVMPO was not in existence at the time the REA was prepared. Additionally, the MVMPO does not have an adopted Regional Transportation Plan for a compatibility determination. The Preferred Alternative is tailored to the planned land uses contained within Josephine County’s and the City of Grants Pass’s Comprehensive Plans, and the county’s and city’s future transportation needs identified in the respective TSPs. In the County’s jurisdiction, the Preferred Alternative involves work within the ODOT right of way and, therefore, no additional review or permits are required from the County. A letter from the County dated October 8, 2007 is provided in the REA’s Appendix B. In the letter, the County states that they have looked at the portion of the Preferred Alternative that is outside the city and UGB, and find this work involves existing right of way. The project is, therefore, outside the land use jurisdiction of Josephine County. No further review or permits are required. A letter dated April 2, 2007 from the City of Grants Pass is provided in the REA’s Appendix. In the letter, the City states that the widening of Redwood Highway from 6th Street to seven miles west is identified as a state project in Chapter 4 (Roadway Element) of the Grants Pass Urban Area Master Transportation Plan. The REA concluded that the Preferred Alternative is consistent with the County’s and City’s comprehensive plans and TSPs, and that no land use plan amendments or zone changes are required for the Preferred Alternative. The Preferred Alternative contains the policy framework, with supporting documentation in the reference materials, as the basis for all decisions and actions related to the use of land and to assure an adequate factual basis for such decisions and actions for compliance with Statewide Planning Goal 2 – Land Use Planning.

Statewide Planning Goal 11: Public Facilities and Services

Requirements: A Timely, Orderly and Efficient Arrangement of Public Facilities and Services to Serve as a Framework for Urban and Rural Development.

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance

Finding: The Preferred Alternative is intended to preserve the investments made to the highway and to maintain the state highway’s intended function of safety and efficiency that best supports existing and proposed land uses as expressed in the City of Grants Pass and Josephine County Comprehensive Plans and TSPs. The REA coordinates and documents current and future transportation needs and identifies alternatives that detail appropriate future improvements to meet these needs. Highway improvements were designed to adequately serve the future needs of the community, while conforming to the requirements of the OHP. US 199 is designated as a state highway in the City and County TSPs and is designated and classified as an expressway and freight route in the state TSP (OHP)..

Goal 12: Transportation.

Requirements: Provide and Encourage a Safe, Convenient and Economic Transportation System. Goal 12 is implemented through the adoption of the OTP and OHP.

Finding: These findings are found below.

Goal 14: Urbanization.

Requirements: An Orderly and Efficient Transition from Rural to Urban Land Use, To Accommodate Urban Population and Urban Employment inside Urban Growth Boundaries, Ensuring Efficient Use of Land, and Providing For Livable Communities.

Finding: The Preferred Alternative will preserve the investments made to the highway and to maintain the state highway’s intended function of safety and efficiency that best supports existing and proposed land uses as expressed in the City of Grants Pass and Josephine County Comprehensive Plans. The REA coordinates and documents current and future transportation needs and identifies alternatives that detail appropriate future improvements to meet these needs as identified in the city and county comprehensive plans, including the Urban Growth Boundary. Future traffic volumes were derived from the Grants Pass Travel Demand Model which incorporates the existing and planned land uses identified in the city’s and county’s comprehensive plans including the Urban Growth Boundary, TSPs, and employment forecasts adopted by each jurisdiction. Highway improvements were designed to adequately serve the future needs of the community, while conforming to the requirements of the OHP.

Consistency with the Oregon Transportation Plan and applicable modal plans, and the Highway Design Manual

Oregon Transportation Plan The Oregon Transportation Plan (OTP) is a policy document developed by ODOT in response to the federal and state mandates for systematic planning for the future of Oregon's transportation system. The OTP is intended to meet statutory requirements (ORS 184.618(1)) to develop a state transportation policy and comprehensive long-range plan for a multi-modal transportation system that addresses economic efficiency, orderly economic development, safety and environmental quality.

Findings: The OTP does not specifically address improvements to the US 199 expressway, but offers broad policy frameworks and standards for improving state highway system. The Preferred Alternative has been developed to be consistent the Oregon Highway Plan, which is an element of the OTP (see section below).

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

Oregon Highway Plan

Goal 1: System Definition

Policy 1A – Highway Classification calls for ODOT to apply the state highway classification system to guide priorities for system investment and management.

Finding: Oregon state highways are classified as Statewide, Regional, District or Local Interest based upon their current and planned function. Expressways are defined as a subset of highway classifications that may be applied to Statewide, Regional or District highways. The OHP classifies US 199 as a Statewide Highway and an ORS 366.215 Freight Route, and designates it as an Expressway from Mile Point 0.20 to Mile Point 6.92. The US 199 Expressway Plan is the Preferred Alternative selected from the 2007 Revised Environmental Assessment (REA) for the US 199 Expressway Upgrade Project. The Preferred Alternative is designed consistent with Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway standards.

Action 1A.3 considers changing the classification of a state highway if the function of the highway has changed significantly since its original classification or the function does not fit the classification description. The classification change will be effective when the Oregon Transportation Commission adopts the change as part of a corridor plan or other planning process.

Finding: The Preferred Alternative is designed consistent with Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway standards. It does not recommend changing the highway classification or designation of the US 199 Statewide Highway classification, ORS 366.215 Freight Route classification and Expressway designation.

Policy 1B – Land Use and Transportation policy recognizes the role of both the State and local governments related to the state highway system and calls for a coordinated approach to land use and transportation planning.

Finding: The REA was based on on-going project coordination with the City of Grants Pass, Josephine County, Citizen Advisory Committee, Project Development Team, and ODOT project management team.

Communication with the City of Grants Pass Community Development Department and the Josephine County Planning Department aided in identifying existing comprehensive plan and zoning designations, consistency with the comprehensive plan, and any required local permits. Existing land uses were documented during a site visit on February 21 and 22, 2005.

Policy 1C – State Highway Freight System policy recognizes the need for the efficient movement of freight through the state.

Finding: US 199 is designated in the OHP as an ORS 366.215 Freight Route. The Preferred Alternative includes future improvements that will improve safety and mobility for freight movement by adding travel lanes, improving access management, and improving freight access to commercial and industrial properties to minimize flow interruptions for large trucks. It is designed to be consistent with the Highway Design Manual standards for a Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway.

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

Policy 1D – Scenic Byways policy is intended to preserve and enhance scenic byways.

Finding: There are no scenic byways along the US 199 expressway.

Policy 1E – Lifeline Routes policy is intended to provide a secure lifeline of transportation routes that facilitate emergency services response and support rapid economic recovery after a disaster.

Finding: US 199 is designated as an Oregon Seismic Lifeline Route. The Preferred Alternative improves the safety and efficiency of the US 199 expressway by adding travel lanes, improving access management and improving mobility to minimize traffic flow interruptions and facilitate emergency services response and support economic recovery after a disaster.

Policy 1F – Highway Mobility Standards policy addresses the state highway performance expectations, providing guidance for managing access and traffic control systems related to state highways. This policy sets mobility targets for ensuring a reliable and acceptable level of mobility on the highway system by identifying necessary improvements that would allow the state highway to function in a manner consistent with the OHP. The OHP sets volume-to-capacity ratios that are not to be exceeded for state highways.

Finding: The Preferred Alternative is intended to preserve the investments made to the highway and to maintain the state highway’s intended function of safety and efficiency consistent with the uniform performance target of 0.80 volume-to-capacity (v/c) for a Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway established in the OHP Table 6. The REA shows that all signalized intersections will fail to meet the OHP mobility target of 0.80 v/c in year 2025. The Preferred Alternative will reduce the number of failures in half at US 199 signalized intersections in year 2025.

Policy 1G – Major Improvements policy directs ODOT to maintain highway performance and improve safety by improving system efficiency and management before adding capacity.

Finding: The Preferred Alternative is intended to preserve the investments made to the highway and to maintain the state highway’s intended function of safety and efficiency consistent with the uniform performance target of 0.80 volume-to-capacity (v/c) for a Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway established in the OHP Table 6. The REA shows that all signalized intersections will fail to meet the OHP mobility target of 0.80 v/c in year 2025. The Preferred Alternative will reduce the number of failures in half at US 199 signalized intersections in year 2025.

Policy 1H – Bypasses policy provides guidance to ODOT and local governments in determining whether a bypass is justified.

Finding: The Preferred Alternative is intended to preserve the investments made to the existing highway and to maintain the state highway’s intended function of safety and efficiency consistent with the uniform performance targets for a Statewide Highway, Freight Route and Expressway established in the OHP Table 6. The improvements identified with the Preferred Alternative will provide safe, efficient passage for through travelers and commerce, without construction of a bypass during the planning period.

Goal 2: System Management Work with local jurisdictions and federal agencies to create an increasingly seamless transportation system with respect to the development, operation, and maintenance of the highway and road system that:

• Safeguards the state highway system by maintaining functionality and integrity;

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

• Ensures that local mobility and accessibility needs are met; and

• Enhances system efficiency and safety.

Policy 2A – Partnerships policy directs ODOT to establish cooperative partnerships with state and federal agencies, regional governments, cities, counties, tribal governments and the private sector to make more efficient and effective use of limited resources to develop, operate, and maintain the highway and road system.

Finding: The REA used an open and on-going public and agency involvement process that included various representatives and stakeholders participating on the Project Development Team (PDT) and Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). These committees were sent copies of reference materials as they became available. An integrated, inter-departmental (local and state) planning and decision-making procedure completed the public process to get a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Preferred Alternative.

Public Process - The REA completes the Environmental Assessment (EA), which was circulated for public review during a 30-day beginning January 22, 2007, and the Supplemental Environmental Assessment (Supplemental EA), which was circulated for the public review during a 30-day period beginning December 5, 2007. The REA describes the Preferred Alternative and reasons for its recommendation, provides a summary of the proposed mitigation and conservation measures identifies additions and changes to the EA and Supplemental EA, summarizes public involvement and agency coordination, and includes comments on the EA and Supplemental EA and ODOT responses to the comments.

Committee Involvement – From December 2004 through January 2005, members of the CAC and PDT were sought out and meetings with each committee were initiated in February 2005. These committees, members of the public, and various governmental agencies were involved in developing alternative solutions to the identified transportation problems on US 199. The CAC represented multiple stakeholder interests such as residents, commuters, business owners, property owners and special interests groups in Grants Pass and Josephine County. The PDT represented Josephine County, the City of Grants Pass, Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce, Oregon State Police, Freight/Trucking Industry and numerous interested citizens. The PDT considered recommendations forwarded by the CAC, which usually met one day in advance of the PDT meetings. In addition to the input recommendations, and decisions made by these committees, ODOT also coordinated with and incorporated input from other governmental agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), ODOT technical specialists, and a CAC representative into project decisions. On February 1, 2008, the PDT met to recommend the Preferred Alternative to the FHWA. Before voting, the PDT considered the CAC recommendation, a review of public comment received on all alternatives during the EA and Supplemental EA public review periods, technical presentations on the features of each alternative, public comment at the meeting, and deliberation among PDT members. On August 1, 2014, the Preferred Alternative was presented to the State Freight Industry Stakeholder Committee and received support.

Citizen Involvement - During 2007, ODOT staff advertised the REA in newspaper articles and advertisements, radio and television broadcasts, and project website updates. A total of seventeen (17) CAC and PDT meetings were hosted for the EA and Supplemental EA beginning February 10, 2005 to January 31, 2008. Three (3) CAC and PDT meetings were hosted for the REA between June and August 2007, and public open houses were conducted on February 8, 2007 and December 19, 2007.

Exhibit B: Findings of Compliance US 199 Expressway Plan

Policy 2B – Off-System Improvements policy identifies when the State of Oregon should provide financial assistance to local jurisdictions to develop, enhance, and maintain improvements to local transportation systems when they are a cost-effective way to improve the operation of the state highway system.

Finding: The Preferred Alternative identifies cost-effective improvements that are eligible for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds. It includes projects both on and off the state system.

Off system improvements include reconstructing two travel lanes, a center turn lane and bicycle and pedestrian facilities to Redwood Avenue. Because off system improvements were identified to improve the efficiency of the highway, they are eligible for state and federal funding.

Policy 2C – Inter-jurisdictional Transfers policy provides standards for considering inter-jurisdictional transfers of roads and/or roadway segments between the State of Oregon and local governments.

Finding: The Preferred Alternative does not propose any roadway segments for transfer between the State of Oregon and local governments.

Policy 2D – Public Involvement policy provides standards for ensuring that citizens, businesses, regional and local…