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Medford interchange could get OTC funds By PETER WONG The proposed reworking of the south Medford freeway interchange may have an easier time qualifying for part of $550 million for new state highway projects. The Oregon Transportation Commission actually will rank projects in the fall. But when the commission met last week in Medford, it endorsed eight standards it will use to winnow the list of projects down from $725 million. Among the standards are pledges from local governments and businesses to match state money for projects, and the state's transfer of other roads or highways to local governments before a project is built. If the state puts up $15 million toward the reworking of the south interchange with Interstate 5, the city, Medford Urban Renewal Agency and businesses have pledged $5 million each for related improvements for traffic circulation. Two other Medford projects are on the list. The next two phases of the reworking of the north Medford interchange are projected at $38 million. The linkage between Highway 62 and Highway 238 in west Medford will cost $9 million. Some work on these projects is under way. The public has 45 days to comment on the standards, but the commission expects to make them final at a telephone meeting Sept. 2. "We want to move this along promptly, notwithstanding the possibility that it looks like this legislation may be referred to the voters," said Stuart Foster of Medford, a commission member. "We have to be responsive." The other standards: Projects must be consistent with local or regional land use and transportation systems plans. Projects must be consistent with the Oregon Highway Plan, which the commission approved earlier this year to guide future spending. Projects must be completed within six years. Projects must be on highways of statewide significance. Projects are too costly to be funded from the $54 million the state spends annually for modernization. Projects must comply with state development goals. To support $600 million in bonds for highway projects, the Legislature approved higher gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees. The commission will obtain public comment, rank projects and submit them to a special committee. After financing costs are deducted, the bonds will pay for about $550 million in projects. House Bill 2082 tied the increases in gasoline taxes and vehicle registration fees to a replacement of the weight-mile tax on trucks. Gov. John Kitzhaber has not yet signed it, but the bill does not appear on a list of 32 he released Tuesday that he may veto by the deadline of Sept. 3. Opponents must obtain the required 44,524 signatures by Oct. 22 to refer the issue to voters on the May 16 primary ballot. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA