MCEDD’s transportation planning services have supported both regional efforts as well as some Wasco County-specific efforts as a result of our operations of The Link Public Transportation.
Gorge Regional Transit Strategy
Beginning in 2020, the regional community came together to develop the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy as a roadmap for a regionally coordinated and integrated public transportation system in our rural five-county, bi-state region. Designed as a two-phase project, Phase One combined the goals, policies, and prioritizations of local transportation planning efforts in the Mid-Columbia in order to establish a foundation for a cohesive regional strategy and vision for public transportation. Phase One objectives included strengthening partnerships, completing local plan assessments, and synthesizing goals and policies into a high-level regional vision.
Phase Two focused on implementation strategies with additional data analysis, ridership forecasts, financial planning, and operational assessments. In this phase, the partner transit agencies worked together to streamline schedules and improve connections for regional travel. The complete overview, timeline and project memos can be found on the Gorge TransLink website here.
Connect Mid-Columbia
MCEDD periodically convenes regional transportation partners through Connect Mid-Columbia to better inform and elevate regional transportation priorities in the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. This initiative first gathered in 2016 and again in 2021.
Connect Mid-Columbia’s goal is to provide a safe, efficient, equitable and accessible regional transportation system to enhance the livability, resilience and economic vitality of the Mid-Columbia region. Stakeholders include state departments of transportation; regional transportation partners; city, county and port officials; and representatives from private businesses. Participants prioritize strategies to meet the regional transportation goal; outline and discuss challenges and opportunities facing regional transportation; and continue to prioritize transportation needs that, when met, will have the greatest impact on the livability and economic vitality of the region.
Connect Mid-Columbia Initiative
August 18, 2021: Meeting Materials Minutes
September 22, 2021: Meeting Materials Slide Presentation
November 17, 2021: Meeting Materials
Outcome: Meeting Minutes Prioritization List
Wasco County Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan
MCEDD staff developed the 2024-2028 Wasco County Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan to meet both state and federal requirements for Special Transportation Fund (STF) agencies and the State of Oregon’s requirements for Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) Qualified Entities. It also helps Wasco County to analyze and meet the transportation needs of four target populations residing in Wasco County:
1. Older Adults and Native American Elders
2. Individuals with low incomes
3. Individuals with disabilities
4. Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Wasco County Transit Development Plan
The 2022 Wasco County Transit Development Plan guides efforts to improve the transit experience and reduce greenhouse gases by providing a strategy for updating, operating, and funding transit in Wasco County for the next 20 years. With increased state transit funding and more transit options from regional providers connecting into Wasco County, this plan sets a clear direction for the future of transit in Wasco County. The plan was developed over more than a year with several opportunities for public input. It was adopted by the MCEDD Board of Directors and the Wasco County Board of County Commissioners. Find the plan and learn more about the process here.