Transportation System Plan 2018-2038

the region' s current financial capabilities. Tier 2 proj ects were not included in the air quality conform ity analy sis conducted for the RTP because these projects exceed the financial constraints of the region. Street utility fees are the prim ary source of transpor tation m odernization revenue for Medford. Sy stem developm ent charges (SDCs) and street utility fees supplem ent the Medford street fund. Air Quality Conformity Federal transportation planning requi rements include com ponents designed to help im plem ent provisions of the Clean Air Act related to achieving the Nationa l Am bient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Prior to adoption of the Regional Transportation Plan and Plan Updates, the RVMPO is required to evaluate the air quality impacts associated with im plem enting the Plan’ s recom mendations and to certify that the RTP will not adversely impact the region’ s ability to achieve and/or m aintain the NAAQS. In other words, the RTP m ust “conform ” with the NAAQS. Any federally -funded roadway improvem ent project must be included in the RTP and be subjected to air quality conform ity analy sis as a condition of receiving the federal dollars. Transit-Oriented Design a nd Development (TOD) Study The Transit Oriented Design and Transit Corridor Development Strategies (or TOD Study ) is designed to bring the RTP into com pliance with the TPR. This study was conducted to ensure that the 1997 Rogue Valley Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) would adequately address state transportation planning (TPR) requirem ents for reducing reliance on the autom obile and targeting a 5 percent reduction in vehicle miles of travel (VMT) per capita in 20 y ears. The objectives of the TOD Study were to: • Identify and designate m ajor transit service rout es supportive of transit oriented developm ent. • Identify and assess principal activity centers throughout the RVTD boundary capable of supporting transit activity centers and transit corridors. • Develop m odel ordinances, zoning and design guidelines that support the planning principles necessary to enhance transit activity centers and corridors. • Amend the Regional Transportation Plan in order to bring it into com pliance with the TPR. The TOD study was completed in August 1999. MPO m ember jurisdictions are charged with implem enting the recom mended TOD sites. The City of Medford is im plem enting the TOD site located near the intersection of Barnett Road and North P hoenix Road through the Southeast Plan process. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) is curren tly implem enting actions in the downtown Medford TOD. The region is seeking funding assistance to im plement other identified TOD sites. Chapter 4 will include m ore discussion of the Medford TODs includi ng location, and current planning and developm ent activity . Southern Oregon Commuter Rail Study The 1999 Oregon Legislature asked ODOT to study the feasibility of providing frequent local passenger rail service between Grants Pass and Ashland. The prim ary goal of the study was to provide useful inform ation to assist legislators, state and local governing bodies and the general public in m aking a decision on the feasibility of developing a com muter rail sy stem to serve the growing population in the Rogue Valley . Specific goals included: • Identify realistic capital and operating costs, including equipm ent. • Provide estim ate of potential passenger revenues. • Identify environm ental issues. • Identify benefits and im pacts of rail com muter service to com munities on route • Identify and exam ine any jurisdictional issues that could hinder commuter operations, including railroad operating agreem ents. Medford Transportation System Plan 2-14 Previous Work/Background Studies