Oregon Business Association

May 26, 2009

Legislative Update: Transportation

Oregon’s transportation infrastructure represents a multi-billion dollar asset that has not been adequately maintained or expanded to keep up with population and economic growth.   As a global gateway and domestic hub, Oregon has a highly trade dependent economy with one in five jobs being transportation related or reliant.

In addition, since transportation accounts for nearly 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, Oregon must ensure investments in alternative modes of all kinds to provide transportation options for Oregon residents and businesses. Oregon Business Association believes transportation investments must reach every corner of the state and that all Oregonians must benefit from the investment.

TRANSPORTATION - LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

OBA Priority I: Enact the Jobs and Transportation Act

Mid-Session Report:  OBA has advocated strong support for HB 2001 - Jobs and Transportation Act containing the broad transportation package, including funding, programmatic and policy elements.  HB 2001 passed out of the Joint Transportation Committee, chaired by Rep. Terry Beyer, D-Springfield and Sen. Rick Metsger, D-Mt. Hood.  The bill is expected to be voted on this week with strong bi-partisan support. 

The Jobs and Transportation Act includes:

1.  Additional $300 million annually in ongoing revenue through the following elements:

• $0.06 gas tax, triggered by a 2% increase in employment for two consecutive quarters or January 1, 2011, whichever comes first
• Increase in vehicle registration fees from $27 to $43
• Increase in title fees from $55 to $78
• Increase in registration plate fees from $5 to $24
• Increase in vanity plate fees from $25 to $50

2.  Additional revenue is allocated to maintenance and preservation of the highway/road system, modernization projects, multi-modal transportation (Connect Oregon), and new Urban Trail Fund.  A portion of the revenue will be bonded to fund identified projects throughout the state.

OBA Priority II: Promote Climate Friendly Transportation

Mid-Session Report:  HB 2001 includes the OBA Climate Friendly Transportation Plan which includes the following initiatives:

• Congestion pricing pilot project in the Metro region
• Development of a least cost planning model
• Continuation of Road User Fee Task Force
• Authorization for the use of medium speed electric vehicles on local roads
• Requirement to update project selection criteria and design standards to incorporate environmental performance
• Authorization to facilitate the development of electric vehicle recharging stations at roadside rest areas
• A requirement that Metropolitan Service Districts develop land use and transportation scenarios that accommodate growth while achieving a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

OBA Priority III: Fund the Columbia River Crossing

Mid-Session Report:  OBA continues to advocate in favor of the Columbia River Crossing project which will receive initial state funding within HB 2001.