Graffiti cleanup along Portland highways on its way

• Once the governor signs the bill, ODOT will begin issuing contracts to hire private companies to do the work.

What they're saying: "Sometime in April we'll begin to see crews working on this," Don Hamilton, a spokesperson for the transportation agency, told Axios. "Will we see a difference? Yes, but it won't put an end to this problem."

Context: Graffiti along Portland's main arteries has only worsened since ODOT ran out of dedicated funds to remove and prevent vandalism from the city's highways last summer.

• Addressing shortfalls in ODOT's budget — which has taken a significant hit since revenue from the state's gas tax has dropped — will be a priority for lawmakers in next year's session, Hamilton said.

By the numbers: Of the $20 million allocated, $4 million will be dedicated solely to painting over graffiti and replacing illegible, vandalized highway signs.

• Another $4 million will be dedicated to homeless camp cleanup, an additional $4 million for litter and the rest will be used to install barriers under bridges, near retaining walls and along bike lanes to deter camping and RV parking.