Highway Robbery: WEP money was not there

ODOT's increasing estimates: from $88 million to $169 million

"In general, we recognize that STIP modernization program funding levels will not meet the larger Metro and Non-metro project needs shown on the Countywide Priority List endorsed by the Board [of Commissioners] in October 2001 and updated April 1, 2002. For this reason, we have confined our comments to the ‘Smaller’ roadway projects shown on updated October List.
"Least cost solutions to transportation system needs is a prioritizing factor the OTC will consider when selecting projects for the 04-07 STIP."
– Robert J. Pirrie, ODOT Area 5 Manager, May 1, 2002 letter to Lane County Commissioners

 

2001 estimates

from ODOT presentation to Eugene City Council, February 20, 2001

this document proves that the $88 million figure used to market the WEP in the November, 2001 referendum was a deliberate lowering of the full cost - this is incredibly deceptive for manipulating the public, but that is how highways are planned and how the good old boys network in local government usually treats those who are forced to pay for their projects

West Eugene Parkway System Cost
Belt Line Phase 1 - Barger 16.5 M
Belt Line Phase 2 - Royal 10.5 M
Total 27.0 M [already completed]

West Eugene Parkway
• Part 1 Unit A 17.3 M [Belt Line to Seneca]
• Part 1 Unit B 34.2 M [Seneca to 6th/7th - last segment to be built]
• Part 2 Unit A 30.5 M [two lanes from Belt Line to western terminus]
• Part 2 Unit B 06.5 M [2 more lanes from Belt Line to terminus]
Total: 88.5 M

Terry Street 02.2 M
W 11th - Greenhill - Danebo 04.5 M
Belt Line Phase 3 - Roosevelt - W 11th 17.0 M
Total: 23.7 M
Grand Total: $139.20 M

source: ODOT presentation to Eugene City Council 2001-02-20

 

November 2001 election: $17 million (total $88 million)

The pricetag used to sell the WEP to the public for the 20-54 referendum was $88 million.

The promotional literature for the WEP referred to the $17 million allocated for the initial "Phase 1A" segment but not the $88 million cost for all phases. Cost to widen Beltline and build a Beltline / WEP interchange were ignored as supposedly a separate project.

 

May 2002: WETLANDS publicly predicted $150 million cost

 

September 2003, publicly revealed March 2004: $149 million

WEP Alternative A Mitigated $128,865,551 (in year 2002 dollars)

related projects: widen W. 11 th from Terry Street to Green Hill $5,500,000
6 th / 7th intersection work from WEP to I-105 $1,500,000
widen 126 to four lanes from WEP to Veneta $13,319,000
(Lane County requested this project in May 2002, this is their cost estimate)

total WEP cost $149,184,551

This price tag does not include the related widenings of Seneca and Bertelsen Roads, the $5 million “urban standards” upgrade to Hwy 99 from Roosevelt to Garfield, the intersection upgrades to West 11th, further adjustments to update the WEP for inflation and increased energy costs.

 

October 2004 estimate: $169 million, plus

Regional Transportation Plan cost estimate for WEP, October 2004

WEP 1A Beltline to Seneca $17,737,000

WEP 2 Beltline to western terminus $59,625,000

WEP-1B Seneca to 99/Garfield $36,340,000

Terry Street Connector WEP to Roosevelt $10,465,000

Belt Line Highway four lanes, WEP interchange $45,125,000

subtotal as specified by RTP $169,294,000

widen 126 to Veneta requested by Lane County in 2002 $13,313,000 (probably MUCH more than this to construct)

6th / 7th intersections needed for eastern terminus
$1,500,000