Oregon Drivers Hit With New Fees as Crumbling Bridges and Roads Demand Urgent Fixes
Oregon motorists will pay an additional $172 on average for title costs, registration fees, and gas tax, to help finance an upgrade of the state’s rapidly deteriorating transportation infrastructure.
More Than 90 Bridges Have Major Structural Defects
There are more than 90 state-owned bridges with major structural defects.
Oregon now faces massive annual infrastructure shortfalls – $227 million for paving and $205 million for maintenance and operational costs.
The bill was introduced to lawmakers yesterday and took more than a year to create, after engaging in discussions with the public, interested stakeholders, and legislative work groups.
The bill aims not only to improve transportation infrastructure but also to support the needs of county and city transportation. Another objective is to increase oversight of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) which is facing a $354 million shortfall.
Public Hearings This Week
More public hearings are taking place this week in Hearing Room F at the Oregon State Capitol to gather additional feedback.
Yesterday the general policies of the bill were discussed, and today at 5 p.m. the hearing will focus on funding ongoing projects and increasing accountability at ODOT.
On Wednesday and Thursday, hearings will begin at 4 p.m. to discuss funding public transport, the rail system, bicycle and safety programs, road and bridge operations, maintenance, and preservation.
The hearings can also be attended virtually on the Oregon Legislative Information Services website.
Motorists will pay an additional $70 for a Title, $50 on average for Registration Fees, and an additional 10 cents per gallon of fuel on gas tax.