As 2022 approaches, State transportation planners are working feverishly to implement a plan for charging drivers to use existing highways. The rates will automatically increase at times when congestion increases. Many drivers will be diverted onto neighborhood streets. Their plan is to receive permanent approval to toll any Federal Highway in Oregon. The millions collected will be placed in a “slush fund” to spend on whatever ODOT desires. What could possibly go wrong?
Claims that it’s a done deal are not true. ODOT only has approval for a 2-year test project involving sections of I-5 and I-205. A big hotspot on the route is the Abernathy Bridge between Oregon City and West Linn. Initial estimates for a round trip on the bridge were as high as $7.50! After hearing from concerned residents and business owners, ODOT substituted their website estimates with these vague statements:
“Drivers won’t be surprised at the cost. Neither the price of tolls nor the exact times of day tolls would be collected have been determined. The Oregon Transportation Commission will set toll rates based on congestion relief goals, revenue needs, and public input. Toll rates are generally set about six months before tolls begin.”
It all began with HB-2017, the $5.5 billion transportation bill. Before the final version was approved, funding for increasing capacity on I-205 and Hwy 217 was dropped. With almost no public awareness, a provision was added to “study congestion relief.” The bill opened the door for tolling. It seems we were misled.
Enter a Statewide Initiative petition that would require a public vote! Given the tremendous financial costs and implications for our communities, voters deserve an opportunity to weigh in. A petition has been filed for the November 2022 ballot. I’m a petitioner who is dedicated to making it happen. Watch for the opportunity to sign in your community, and on-line.HB-2017 also addressed the critical need for road maintenance by increasing the gas tax 10 cents per gallon. Local cities and counties receive half of the money, and the other half goes to ODOT.
In spite of a dramatic increase in maintenance funding, the previous Clackamas County Commission approved a Vehicle Registration Fee in 2018. With little public awareness, and no public vote, they increased the cost for registering our cars, trucks and motorcycles. (Current Commissioners Fischer, Schrader and Savas participated. Savas was the lone vote against the fee.) Many ask, “What are they doing with the money they already have?”
The cost of living is rising faster than wages. I encourage elected officials to endorse public votes on tolling and fees. To stay informed or volunteer, Follow the “Vehicle Transportation Alliance” on Facebook, and watch for future coverage in the NW Connection.
Les Poole lives in Clackamas County, and has devoted thousands of hours to public involvement and government accountability since 1995.
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