Board backs one‑year ODOT discretionary grant application to pilot Boardman–The Dalles transit link

Patrick Keeley, representing Morrow County Public Transit, asked the commissioners to approve applying for a one‑year ODOT discretionary grant that would pilot a transit connector between Boardman and The Dalles to fill an existing gap in eastern Oregon’s network.

Keeley said the grant is a one‑year discretionary award that would let the county test demand, timed connections with regional carriers and operational sustainability before committing recurring resources. He said the agency has engaged regional partners and drafted an application and pre‑application that ODOT approved to proceed to full application.

Board members asked whether the pilot could affect existing routes if state funding later declined; Keeley and staff said the pilot would be grant‑funded initially, they are reworking grants and internal fund allocations to maximize sustainability, and they do not expect the pilot to reduce current service levels. Commissioners spoke in favor but expressed concern about potential future funding gaps and urged continued analysis of operating revenue and match requirements.

The board voted to approve submission of the application and to pursue the pilot; staff will monitor funding results and return with operational details and any long‑term funding implications if the grant is awarded.