US EditionPortland Says Basic Street Maintenance ‘at Risk’ After Sweeping State Transportation Package Implodes
- The Oregon Legislature adjourned on Friday, 2025, without passing a transportation funding bill, putting vital infrastructure jobs and services at risk.
- By the end of the session, legislators did not approve a reduced version of the bill that aimed to generate $2 billion over 10 years by increasing the gas tax by 3 cents and raising vehicle licensing and registration fees exclusively for the state transportation department.
- Without additional transportation funding, counties will struggle to implement safety improvements such as enhanced road markings, warning strips, and protective barriers. They may also need to reduce staff, leading to decreased pavement upkeep and routine maintenance.
- ODOT plans layoffs of up to 700 employees starting the week of July 7, with Director Strickler calling the funding failure "the hardest message I've ever had to send in my career."
- Advocates urge a special legislative session to avoid long-term risks of deteriorating roads, fewer transit services, and jeopardized community safety across Oregon.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Portland says basic street maintenance ‘at risk’ after sweeping state transportation package implodes
Portland officials warned that the city’s crumbling streets and sidewalks are likely to plunge further into disrepair after state lawmakers failed to pass a sweeping transportation package last week.
ODOT director calls legislature’s transportation bill failure ‘shocking,’ ‘scary,’ warns of layoffs
The Oregon Department of Transportation plans to lay off up to 700 employees as soon as the week of July 7, with layoffs taking effect by the end of the month, according to emails from agency leadership obtained by the…
Oregon Capital Chronicle
philomathnews.comODOT director calls legislature’s transportation bill failure ‘shocking,’ ‘scary’ warns of layoffs
Dozens of prospective construction and utilities workers attend a career day hosted by the Oregon Department of Transportation in Eastern Oregon on April 25, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr) The Oregon Department of Transportation plans to lay off up to 700 employees as soon as the week of July 7, with layoffs taking effect by the end of the month, according to emails from agency leadership obtained by the Ore…
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