Bend MPO Policy Board Meeting 2/20/2026 12:00 PM

The Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Board held a meeting on February 20, 2026, focusing on transportation planning, project funding, and legislative updates. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of an amendment to the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) advancing preliminary engineering for the US 97 Culvert Corridor Phase 2 project, with a motion passed to approve the amendment. The board reviewed the draft 2027-2030 MTIP, which includes several fully funded projects within the MPO boundary, and discussed the phased funding approach for design and construction. Letters of support were approved for two federal BUILD grant applications: one from Deschutes County for the US 97 Riverwoods High Desert Museum interchange planning and another from ODOT for safety improvements on US 97 between Terabont and Madras. The board also accepted the fiscal year 2024-2025 audited financial report, noting no compliance issues and a positive net position. Additionally, the board discussed federal safety performance targets, legislative developments affecting transportation funding, and upcoming federal surface transportation legislation with potential impacts on future funding priorities. The meeting concluded with scheduling of future meetings and no public comments.