Bike lanes and sidewalks in Cedar Mill - Funding and Fairness
by Anne Madden

Have you heard? Cedar Mill is getting some great new infill projects—sidewalks, bike lanes, or widened shoulders—to make bike riding and walking a lot safer and more enjoyable. The sidewalk on 143rd is already in use, and new ones are coming this summer on 119th, Cornell, and on Barnes Road east of Miller. Since we have no city government to thank, where did the money come from? Two county programs are helping to "fill the gaps."

First, your state and county gas taxes are helping. Most of that money goes to maintain our major roads, thanks to which we are not the potholed mess seen in some neighboring counties. But recently a bit more of that gas tax revenue has been allocated to "Minor Betterments." That money is paying for seven betterment projects this fiscal year and five next year that are not so "minor" if you walk or bike there! Minor Betterment projects are reviewed and recommended for funding by a committee of county staff and citizens.

The Urban Road Maintenance District (URMD) is also helping. For almost 20 years we all have been paying a small property tax (25¢ per $1000 assessed valuation) for URMD to maintain our local roads. Thanks to URMD, our local roads are in good shape.

The Board of Commissioners recently adopted an ordinance allowing some of that money to be used for safety improvements, which may include construction of sidewalks, bike lanes, or widened roadway shoulders. A citizen URMD advisory committee (URMDAC) makes funding and project recommendations to the Board each year. For the coming fiscal year, URMDAC is recommending that URMD fund seven safety projects (see sidebar).

While these two programs have a similar objective—improving safety for all road users—the programs have different limitations. But if you have ideas about unmet needs in your area, contact the County… they can do the work to match potential projects to the appropriate funding source. Go online to http://www.co.washington.or.us/with your ideas; they could end up on the Minor Betterment/URMD future project list. You can also contact staff in the county's Operations and Maintenance division at 503-846-7623. Funds are limited, so only a limited number of projects can be constructed each year.

Sometimes, the county seat in Hillsboro can seem far removed from Cedar Mill, but it is good to know our large and populous unincorporated area is getting more of a fair shake for our active travel needs. Watch out for construction this summer, and look forward to some attractive and safe new infrastructure.

Additional information provided by LUT staff.

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