Knopp bill to allow donations to ODOT advances

The Oregon Senate Business and Transportation Committee on Monday passed a bill sponsored by Senate Republican Deputy Leader Tim Knopp of Bend in a novel bid to address safety issues on Central Oregon highways, by setting up a fund in which residents could donate to the Oregon Department of Transportation for desired projects.

During a two-week period in December, seven crashes resulted in the deaths of 10 people in Central Oregon, Knopp noted.

Senate Bill 798 was a result of constituents contacting Knopp asking to make Central Oregon highways safer, the lawmaker said.

“One of my commitments as a legislator is ensuring Oregon’s government is responsive and flexible enough to meet the needs of citizens,” Knopp explained. “Establishing a transparent and accessible donation fund for resolving specific safety problems on our transportation infrastructure is a critical part of that commitment.”

Senate Bill 798 would establish a state transportation donation fund and continuously appropriate moneys in the fund to ODOT for purposes specified in the gift or donation. Under the bill, donations with no specific intent can be used by the department.

The bill was referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee.

Knopp told NewsChannel 21, “There were a lot of people concerned with the deaths of their fellow Central Oregonians in car accidents on the highway.

“This bill is an opportunity to donate to safety projects that will help make all of us safer. You never know who would want to donate,” he said.