Governor Pauses ODOT Funding Plan After Signature Campaign

(Adding video and quotes from State Senator Bruce Starr)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -When legislators met for a special session earlier this year, they thought it would be the end of ODOT funding discussions. On Thursday, the governor’s office told KTVZ News it is pausing the plan the legislators passed earlier this year.

This comes after a massive campaign led by Senator Bruce Starr to gather 75,000 signatures to put the measure on the ballot, and leave it up to the people. The campaign submitted 200,000 signatures to be verified.

“The governor should work, across the aisle with myself and my colleagues to, rebalance ODOT budget using existing resources, ensuring that our maintenance is done," Senator Starr told KTVZ News. "We got to keep the roads open during the winter time. We can do that with existing resources. We don't need to raise taxes to do that.”

For more than four weeks legislators met in a special session to pass a funding package the governor claimed would prevent large-scale layoffs of ODOT employees, fund roads, and keep maintenance stations open. The cost: an increase in the gas tax from 40 to 46 cents a gallon, and an increase in registration from $43 to 85 for gas cars.

Title fees increase from $77 dollars to $216. EV vehicles were not spared, as registration fees increased from $115 to $145.​

One of the maintenance stations on the chopping block is in Sisters just before the Santiam Pass. The ODOT workers there make sure the roads stay open, and first responders are safe in the event of an accident, and as the winter weather piles up, those workers keep the pass open.

Not only is ODOT going to see issues, the DMV will also have its share of problems. A source there told KTVZ News, more DMV sites are going to move to appointments only, due to staffing and money issues. The DMV wants to give customers certainty.​

What this means in the long term is yet to be seen but law makers will begin their short session in just over 3 weeks. The number one issue on everyones mind is finding a solution to ODOT’s current problems.

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — When the Oregon Legislature reconvenes next session, one of lawmakers’ top priorities will be how to fund the state’s transportation budget.

On Thursday, the governor’s office confirmed to KTVZ News that Oregon’s new gas tax and fee increases will be put on hold after a statewide petition gathered enough signatures to suspend the law. The measures will remain paused until voters weigh in during the November election, provided the Secretary of State’s office verifies all submitted signatures.

“Oregonians have exercised their ability to challenge actions taken by the legislature, and the Governor respects the outcome of that process,” said Roxy Mayer, press secretary for Governor Tina Kotek.

Mayer told KTVZ News the governor’s office is deeply concerned about how the Oregon Department of Transportation will be funded moving forward, especially as infrastructure challenges continue to grow across the state.

“Just last week, there was a rain-caused landslide north of the City of Siletz blocking traffic on Highway 229. ODOT crews are actively responding to the situation. This is why we need an adequately funded transportation agency to keep Oregonians safe,” said Mayer.

The announcement follows three Central Oregon Republican lawmakers' call for ODOT emergency funding on Wednesday, blaming crumbling rural roads. They predict voters will approve a petition repealing the new tax hikes and pledge to collaborate with ODOT on alternative funding.

Funding approved under the emergency bill signed by Governor Kotek is now suspended. According to the governor’s office, the delay could impact transportation projects statewide, and potential layoffs may begin.

“Republicans must now work with Democrats to find a different solution. The Governor is committed to working with lawmakers of both parties, ODOT leadership, stakeholders, and local leaders to find a path forward. The Governor’s guiding principle is to avoid, as much as possible, immediate service cuts that will impact Oregonians,” said Mayer.

This is a developing story.