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11 1 1 1 <br /> ~ ~ 11 1 ~ I ~ 1 <br /> local agencies can fund in any budget 4. Expand the use of System <br /> cycle. This problem is particularly Development Charges (SDC). ~ <br /> acute in congested urban areas where Inadequate local transportation funding <br /> achieving 20 year design standards in many jurisdictions suggests an <br /> can be physically difficult as well as expanded use of SDCs. This may be <br /> inordinately expensive. possible by expanding the scope of <br /> impacts that can be considered when <br /> Because smaller scale projects may developing SDC rates. This will require <br /> still have a positive economic return some study of SDCs, an exploration of <br /> on investment, economic performance the range of currently eligible impacts, <br /> should be considered along with and feedback from local governments in <br /> engineering factors in project design order to develop a legislative concept. <br /> decisions, particularly in times of <br /> severe budget constraint. 5. Streamline processes. <br /> In many cases, excessive regulations <br /> <br /> The development of new design criteria delay transportation projects beyond a <br /> for highway projects poses a number reasonable time, adding costs and cre- <br /> of technical and policy challenges. sting bigger problems. Acquiring right <br /> <br /> Therefore, ODOT should establish a of way and following National Environ- <br /> statewide task force to consider the mental Protection Act procedures are <br /> issue. FHWA will have to be involved two examples of areas where it may <br /> in the effort given its statutory role in serve the public better to have more <br /> the investment of federal-aid funds, streamlined processes. These regula- <br /> Demonstration projects may be a useful tions are federal requirements and any <br /> approach. changes would have to occur at a na- <br /> tional level. ODOT should pursue efforts <br /> to streamline the process in conjunction <br /> with other states. <br /> 25 <br /> <br />