Legislature to take up transportation funding issues
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
One main issue facing the Oregon Legislature, which starts its 160-day session Tuesday, is how to plug a massive hole in the state's transportation budget.
Why it matters: The Oregon Department of Transportation says that without a fix, it could see layoffs resulting in deteriorating road conditions due to deferred maintenance, fewer snowplows in winter and slower service at the DMV.
By the numbers: The agency is facing a $354 million deficit for its next two-year budget, which starts July 1.
- Without an infusion of cash, the agency said it could be forced to cut up to 1,000 jobs and could potentially close 17 of the 88 maintenance stations statewide.
- By late 2025, ODOT would only be able to purchase roughly half of what it needs to keep roads safe during winter storms — things like salt, de-icer and road abrasives.
Driving the news: Declining revenues from the state's gas tax has led to the gap.
- As fuel-efficient cars — and EVs, which pay higher registration fees but don't use gas — become the norm, fewer dollars are flowing into transportation coffers.
- ODOT notes that, unlike in many other states, Oregon's gas taxes aren't indexed to inflation.
State of play: In her budget proposal, Gov. Tina Kotek recommended the Legislature provide an additional $1.75 billion for the upcoming biennium.
What they're saying: Democratic Sen. Chris Gorsek, co-chair of a joint Senate and House committee on transportation, said that years of deferred maintenance on things like bridges have left the lawmakers with no choice but to act.
- "The longer you let things go, the more damage, and the more expensive the repairs become," he told Axios.
The other side: Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, Gorsek's Republican counterpart on the committee, said she wants to see less spending on things like bike lanes, climate resilience and equity programs.
- "Are roads plowed? Are they safe? Are the potholes fixed? Are we able to get cars and trucks through, and a lack of congestion?" she told Axios. "I guarantee you, that is what people want, and that is where the money should be spent."
Stunning stat: Kevin Glenn, a spokesman for ODOT, told Axios that, at ODOT's current level of funding, it would take 900 years to replace the state's bridges, most of which have an effective lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
What's next: The transportation committee is scheduled to meet for the first time Tuesday.