Silverlion, it seems to me a good idea might be for the public to able to see an expense breakdown for this signal installation. In the Tribune article, Jason Tell, ODOT’s Region 1 manager cites the $1.2 million figure. More people in addition to yourself may be wondering what accounts for a project budget of that size for this crosswalk signal.
I spent some time today browsing ODOT's website, but couldn't find anything there about the TV Highway and 178th intersection, the crosswalk planned for it or an accompanying budget. A link to the ODOT Region 1 project page:
ODOT Region 1 Projects Page
Nothing there under the Washington County heading. I did various other searches across ODOT's site, but found nothing.