February 13, 2023 3:30 a.m.

Douglas County government has received federal funding for step one of a grant process for creating a local roadway safety action plan.

A release said while it is not for specific repairs or improvement projects, it is the first step in the federal grant process that will enable the county to apply for future road improvement funding.

Douglas County is one of only five communities in the state that is getting the funding. It is from the new U.S. Department of Transportation – Safe Street and Roads for All grant program. The county will get $163,200 in dedicated funds to help develop the local plan. The LRSP provides the framework for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing roadway safety improvements on local roads. The county’s Public Works Department currently managed over 1,118 miles of roads, 300 bridges, and 9,163 culverts. The release said developing a comprehensive roadway safety action plan for the county will be a massive undertaking.

The county submitted its application in order to achieve the long-term goals, policies and strategies that will help eliminate transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries throughout the county. The plan will be completed in coordination with the Oregon Department of Transportation and incorporated cities to “…create a culture of safety and security along all our roadways”.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next 5 years. The SS4A program supports initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.