OAR 660-012-0025: Complying with the Goals in Preparing Transportation System Plans; Refinement Plans

(1) Except as provided in section (3) of this rule, adoption of a TSP shall constitute the land use decision regarding the need for transportation facilities, services and major improvements and their function, mode, and general location. (2) Findings of compliance with applicable statewide planning goals and acknowledged comprehensive plan policies and land use regulations shall be developed in conjunction with the adoption of the TSP. (3) A local government or MPO may defer decisions regarding function, general location and mode of a refinement plan if findings are adopted that: (a) Identify the transportation need for which decisions regarding function, general location or mode are being deferred; (b) Demonstrate why information required to make final determinations regarding function, general location, or mode cannot reasonably be made available within the time allowed for preparation of the TSP; (c) Explain how deferral does not invalidate the assumptions upon which the TSP is based or preclude implementation of the remainder of the TSP; (d) Describe the nature of the findings which will be needed to resolve issues deferred to a refinement plan; and (e) Set a deadline for adoption of a refinement plan prior to initiation of the periodic review following adoption of the TSP. (4) Where a Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is prepared pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the development of the refinement plan shall be coordinated with the preparation of the Corridor EIS. The refinement plan shall be adopted prior to the issuance of the Final EIS.