OACES Newsletter October 14, 2022 |
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Next OACES Meeting
October 17-18, 2022
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Join us for the Fall OACES Conference in Hood River |
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October 17 and 18 at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn
1108 E Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 97031. Agenda, registration, and hotel information are available on the meetings page of the OACES website.
Topic presentations include:
- DIY County Bridges: How to Save Money Using Local Crews
- Panel Discussion: Condos & Middle Housing; Navigating the increasing density of our communities
- Oregon FLAP Statewide Needs Assessment - County Road Priorities Workshop
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Business Meeting and Election of Officers will be held on Tuesday morning October 18, at 8:00 a.m.
- and more.
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Join OACES at the AOC Annual Conference |
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There are a number of great programming and networking opportunities including a regular OACES meeting and transportation general session topics on Wednesday, November 17. Register HERE.
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$113 Million for Oregon Counties Included in New Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund |
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The Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) was included in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) bringing $113 million in new funding to Oregon Counties by FY 2023. The one-time general discretionary funding includes eligibility for transportation projects. Road departments should work with their board of commissioners and treasurer's office to advocate for needed transportation projects.
Funding requirements include:
- Counties must submit an annual Obligation and Expenditure Report by March 31, 2023.
- Funds are subject to Build America, Buy America Act (unless you receive the funds within the first six months of distribution)
- Federal Prevailing wage rate requirements do not apply.
- Receipt of funds do not trigger any NEPA requirements, though NEPA and other environmental laws will apply as normal.
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FHWA Final Rule: Minimum Levels for Retroreflective Pavement Markings |
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The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released minimum levels of retroreflectivity for pavement markings. These rules are designed to keep the roads navigable for an older driving population with a greater need for visible markings.
FHWA released a final rule to update the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to provide standards, guidance, options, and supporting information on September 6th. This final rule establishes minimum retroreflectivity levels for longitudinal pavement markings on all roads open to public travel with speed limits of 35 mph or greater. The final rule requires applicable agencies or officials to implement a method for maintaining pavement marking retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels, providing a 4-year compliance date for implementing the method. County’s must adopt a method (plan and procedure) for maintaining pavement marking retroreflectivity by September 2026. ...[Read More]
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New Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Resources Released |
DLCD resources include a Transportation Planning Rules Update, alternative date process, practitioner’s guide, exemptions guidance, and office hours. More information about the process for making requests, criteria for review, and decision processes are outlined on DLCD's guidance on the implementation web page.
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AOC Partnership with Public Surplus Auctions |
Public Surplus is a government surplus auction system designed for the sale and purchase of counties' surplus items. This system was created with unique capabilities specifically for public agencies, making it much more than an auction site. The services offered to both buyers and sellers are of the highest quality with a strong focus on customer care.
In May, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Board of Directors approved a partnership with Public Surplus. All new and existing county and county department users now have the ability to send a portion of their paid fees to AOC. By signing up under AOC, your county can support association services with a portion of the seven percent premium taken with no additional extra fees. ...[Read More]
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Open USDOT Grant Opportunities and Resources for Local Agencies |
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Current Open NOFOs Include:
Technical Assistance Resources:
Please contact AOC County Road Program Director Brian Worley with any questions about USDOT grant funding opportunities.
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Oregon DEQ Announces 2022 Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant Recipients |
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As part of its continuing efforts to improve air quality, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality announced recipients of nearly $7.5 million in funding for projects designed to reduce diesel emissions across the state and among vulnerable populations. Under the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Grant Program, eight selected projects will help eliminate air contaminants affecting public health and climate by retrofitting or replacing older medium- and heavy-duty diesel equipment with new, cleaner alternatives.
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Northwest Pavement Management Association Conference |
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This year's NWPMA conference includes pavement training, innovative solutions, best management practices, and networking opportunities. For more conference information, agenda, and registration see here.
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Emergency Relief (ER) Program Training, Joint FHWA and ODOT |
ODOT Emergency operations and FHWA will once again be offering the ER program training course. October 24, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm.
This course is designed for anyone involved in the ER process and covers the overall process, site eligibility, paperwork, and timeframes. If you would like to participate in this training, please email ODOT Certification for the training invitation and link.
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ODOT's CUG Annual Meeting, December 8 |
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This year’s ODOT Certification User Group (CUG) Annual Meeting is on December 8, 2022, at the Eola Chemeketa Event Center, Salem, and online. This year’s agenda includes Certification Program updates, training topics, an opportunity to set subcommittee work plans for 2023 and more. Registration and a draft agenda will be available soon. Contact ODOT Certification with questions .
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Oregon Technology Transfer Center Training |
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The mission of the Oregon Technology Transfer Center (T2) is to foster a safe and efficient transportation system in the state of Oregon by offering training, technical assistance and technology transfer to local transportation agencies.
For more information on T2 programming, Roads Scholar classes, training calendar, publications, and lending library videos, visit the Oregon T2 Center website here.
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County Engineering, Road Department, and Surveyor Jobs
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The AOC job posting page provides counties and other government organizations with a method to advertise job opportunities while also providing a resource for job seekers looking for a new challenge.
Current engineering, road department, and surveyor postings include:
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Jackson County, Engineers Wanted! |
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Jackson County is recruiting for three similar positions at the same time within the Road Department. The titles of these recruitments are “Engineering Associate I”, “Engineering Associate II”, and “Engineering Technician III.” Please note the county will only be filling one of the above positions with the best candidate from the combined pool of qualified applicants. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Autocad Civil 3D and roadway design.
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County Road Program Director
Legislative Director
Transportation Policy Analyst
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Senior Administrative Manager
IT Director
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