Oregon Drivers to Pay More at the Pump After Kotek Signs Transportation Rescue Bill

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed the controversial new transportation network legislation, a mere five days before the expiry date deadline.

Kotek signed House Bill 3991 last Friday and, in a letter to the Secretary of State, Tobias Read, says the implementation of the new legislation will cost the average Oregon driver about $66 more annually in gas taxes and registration fees.

The bill provides a $300 million stopgap to maintain the transportation network’s services this biennium.

House Bill 3991 Saves 500 ODOT Jobs

The new legislation prevented the layoff of 500 Oregon Department of Transportation workers and will fund critical maintenance and the continued operation of Oregon’s roads, bridges, and transport agencies.

The new legislation will protect communities throughout the state by funding city and county transportation needs, ensuring the continuation of agency-provided public transportation services.

Taxpayers will fund the $300 million cash injection over the next two years by paying six cents more per gallon of gas and increased fees for DMV issued documents.