Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon is getting about $334 million to spend on transportation projects, courtesy of the federal economic stimulus package.

The Oregon Department of Transportation has developed a list of more than 40 potential projects.  

Most of them involve paving highways or replacing guardrails.  But one conservation group wants the state to funnel more money toward transit and bicycling projects.  

Bob Stacey of One Thousand Friends of Oregon says highways already are funded through the state’s gas tax.

Bob Stacey: “We’re always short on money for transit, for bicycling facilities, and pedestrian facilities.  Here’s a chance to balance that a little bit by using this one-time only federal source, and spending it on the non-highway parts of our transportation system.”

The Oregon Transportation Commission delayed a decision Wednesday about how to allocate the money.  Some lawmakers want a chance to have their say in choosing the projects.