Is it time to sleep...
Is it time to sleep...
A Subcommittee tied closely to the Joint Committee on Transportation and a pause signed by Governor Kotek seem to be an effective sleeping pill...
It finally got quiet in Salem this past week… but is that a good thing?
As ODOT awaits for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to give their approval for the Environmental Assessment Study (EAS), that 2,000 page study that told us why the I-205 Tolling Project would be easy to swallow and good for us too, there is still much to be considered
Will the FHWA approve the EAS, will the new Subcommittee on Transportation Planning of the Joint Committee on Transportation actually listen and pivot to the concerns of the Cities and people impacted by proposed tolling and will the people go to sleep knowing there are 14 months of added pause to proposed tolling?
We are continuing to dive into the details to keep you informed… we hope you stay awake with us as there is much more work to do… or we will all feel the Tolling bills soon.
In Short
Article 1 - Maybe with their hand stuck in the cookie jar, ODOT does a dusting off of the crumbs in order to right itself. This short article from KOIN shows how the rhetoric can change quickly when it suits the new agenda.
Article 2 - The Mercury provides us with a multitude of information regarding current ODOT tolling programs. And the miscommunication continues as ODOT looks for tolling to fund the Rose Quarter as the Legislature, HB 2098, says it will fund that program without tolls.
Article 3 - In this Columbian article (from Vancouver, WA) the question is raised as to where toll monies are destined and is that equitable. Though this opinion piece is concerned for its Washington constituents, the truth is Oregonians should be as concerned.
ODOT’s transparent spending is a Black Hole at best, and its ability to keep budgets tight and contracts in line is worse than a double-digit DUI suspect walking a line.
Weekly Articles
Koin comments from ODOT's Kris Strickler
The Mercury provides a wide view on current tolling projects
The Columbian brings up equitable tolling... or who gets the money...