(2)(a) Prior to selecting transportation projects, the commission shall seek input from the applicable area commission on transportation.

(b) Prior to selecting aeronautic and airport transportation projects, the commission shall solicit recommendations from the State Aviation Board.

(c) Prior to selecting freight transportation projects, the commission shall solicit recommendations from the Freight Advisory Committee.

(d) Prior to selecting rail projects, the commission shall solicit recommendations from the rail advisory committee.

(e) Prior to selecting marine projects, the commission shall solicit recommendations from the Oregon Business Development Department.

(3) In selecting transportation projects, the commission shall consider:

(a) Whether a proposed transportation project reduces transportation costs for Oregon businesses or improves access to jobs and sources of labor;

(b) Whether a proposed transportation project results in an economic benefit to this state;

(c) Whether a proposed transportation project is a critical link connecting elements of Oregon’s transportation system that will measurably improve utilization and efficiency of the system;

(d) How much of the cost of a proposed transportation project can be borne by the applicant for the grant from any source other than the Connect Oregon Fund;

(e) Whether a proposed transportation project is ready for construction;

(f) Whether a proposed transportation project has a useful life expectancy that offers maximum benefit to the state; and

(g) Whether a proposed transportation project is located near operations conducted for mining aggregate or processing aggregate as described in ORS 215.213 (2)(d) or 215.283 (2)(b).

(4) To promote fairness in the selection process, the Director of Transportation may not choose a member of a final review committee:

(a) Who represents an entity that submitted an application for a Connect Oregon Fund grant that is being considered for funding by a final review committee; or

(b) Has a direct financial interest in an application that is being considered for funding by a final review committee. [2005 c.816 §4; 2007 c.859 §3; 2013 c.765 §2; 2015 c.707 §3; 2017 c.750 §80; 2019 c.491 §22]

Note: See first note under 367.080.