ORS 184.617: Functions of commission.

(1) The Oregon Transportation Commission shall: (a) Establish the policies for the operation of the Department of Transportation in a manner consistent with the policies and purposes of ORS 184.610 to 184.665. (b) Develop and maintain state transportation policies, including but not limited to policies related to the management, construction and maintenance of highways and other transportation systems in Oregon, including but not limited to aviation, ports and rail. (c) Develop and maintain a comprehensive, 20-year long-range plan for a safe, multimodal transportation system for the state which encompasses economic efficiency, orderly economic development and environmental quality. The comprehensive, long-range plan: (A) Must include, but not be limited to, aviation, highways, mass transit, ports, rails and waterways; and (B) Must be used by all agencies and officers to guide and coordinate transportation activities and to ensure transportation planning utilizes the potential of all existing and developing modes of transportation. (d) In coordination with the State Marine Board, the Oregon Business Development Department, the State Aviation Board, cities, counties, mass transit districts organized under ORS 267.010 to 267.394 and transportation districts organized under ORS 267.510 to 267.650, develop plans for each mode of transportation and multimodal plans for the movement of people and freight. Subject to paragraph (c) of this subsection, the plans must include a list of projects needed to maintain and develop the transportation infrastructure of this state for at least 20 years in the future. (e) For the plans developed under paragraph (d) of this subsection, include a list of projects for at least 20 years into the future that are capable of being accomplished using the resources reasonably expected to be available. As the plans are developed by the commission, the Director of Transportation shall prepare and submit implementation programs to the commission for approval. Work approved by the commission to carry out the plans shall be assigned to the appropriate unit of the Department of Transportation or other appropriate public body, as defined in ORS 174.109. (f) Initiate studies, as it deems necessary, to guide the director concerning the transportation needs of Oregon. (g) Prescribe the administrative practices followed by the director in the performance of any duty imposed on the director by law. (h) Seek to enter into intergovernmental agreements with local governments and local service districts, as those terms are defined in ORS 174.116, to encourage cooperation between the department and local governments and local service districts to maximize the efficiency of transportation systems in Oregon. (i) Review and approve the department’s: (A) Proposed transportation projects, as described in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, and any significant transportation project modifications, as determined by the commission; (B) Proposed budget form prior to the department submitting the form to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services under ORS 291.208; (C) Anticipated capital construction requirements; (D) Construction priorities; and (E) Selection, vacation or abandonment of state highways. (j) Adopt a statewide transportation strategy on greenhouse gas emissions to aid in achieving the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals set forth in ORS 468A.205. The commission shall focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from transportation. In developing the strategy, the commission shall consider state and federal programs, policies and incentives related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The commission shall consult and cooperate with metropolitan planning organizations, other state agencies, local governments and stakeholders and shall actively solicit public review and comment in the development of the strategy. (k) Perform any other duty vested in it by law. (2) The commission has general power to take any action necessary to coordinate and administer programs relating to highways, motor carriers, motor vehicles, public transit, rail, transportation safety and such other programs related to transportation. (3) The commission may require the director to furnish whatever reports, statistics, information or assistance the commission may request in order to study the department or transportation-related issues. [1973 c.249 §10; 1979 c.186 §5; 1989 c.904 §50; 1993 c.741 §6; 1999 c.935 §16; 2003 c.27 §2; 2017 c.750 §6]