Oregon Roads at Risk as Lawmakers Reconvene Friday to Decide Fate of Transportation Department

Mass Layoffs and Loss of Experienced Top Officials Are Just Some of ODOT’s Woes

Apart from laying off hundreds of workers, ODOT has and will continue to lose top officials seeking greener pastures as the agency battles to meet commitments because of financing woes.

Governor Tina Kotek has had to step in and recall lawmakers to a special session starting on August 29 after they failed to pass a budget for ODOT during the last legislative session.

Governor Proposes Several Increases to Raise Funds to Maintain the State’s Transportation Network

Recently, Kotek informed the media about her budget proposals, which she will ask lawmakers to consider.

These include a gas hike of 6 cents to the gallon on the existing 40-cent pump price, increased car registration fees of $42, a new $30 fee for owners of electric vehicles, an increase of $139 for title fees, and doubling the state’s payroll tax from 0,1% to 0.2%.

ODOT is facing a $350 million shortfall as it battles to maintain highway infrastructure, road, and bridge maintenance.

Public Hearing Tomorrow Afternoon

A public hearing organized by the Joint Interim Committee of Transportation Funding is scheduled for tomorrow, August 25, to address the funding proposals. The hearing will begin at 3 p.m. in Hearing Room F at the Oregon State Capitol.

ODOT has previously announced the closure of 12 rural maintenance stations responsible for snow clearance, removal of fallen trees and dead animals from roads, bridge inspections and maintenance, and resurfacing of miles of roads scarred by potholes.

Any new bill that proposes raising revenue requires support by three-fifths of lawmakers in both chambers.