The Oregon Department of Transportation is seeking comments from the public — and North Bend is seeking support — for a project in the city that is competing for federal funding.

North Bend’s  U.S. 101 Streetscape project is one of dozens of projects around the state under consideration for Transportation Enhancement program funding, a press release said. It is intended for projects that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic and environmental value of the transportation system.

North Bend’s project involves sidewalk streetscape improvements and would need $586,155 from ODOT.

ODOT has $13 million available, but there’s competition for the money. Statewide, entities have proposed projects totaling $62 million.

Oregon selects Transportation Enhancement projects in a competitive process based on applications from local, state, federal and tribal governments. Since 1992, ODOT’s Transportation Enhancement program has helped 188 communities in Oregon with sidewalk, bike path and streetscape projects, restoration of railroad depots and other historical buildings, and construction of viewpoints for historical or interpretive sites along Oregon roads and highways.

According to a project description of the streetscape project, the sidewalk improvements would be built to provide for street trees and furniture. It would include decorative lighting, trash receptacles, bicycle racks, accessibility and safety features. The work would be done along the 101 one-way couplet through downtown North Bend on Sherman and Sheridan avenues, between Montana Avenue to the north and Washington Avenue to the south.  

Comments may be submitted through an Internet survey site, available at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/LGS. It also can be accessed directly at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OhAnaQVGfedm9vEx8TTomQ_3d_3d.

Those without access to the Internet can call the Transportation Enhancement Program manager at (503) 986-3528 to comment. Comments will be accepted through Sept. 15.