When You Tell the Truth You Never Have to Lie
When You Tell the Truth You Never Have to Lie
ODOT's answers are always changing...
Years ago I worked with a guy that always changed his story. It altered to whatever worked for him and gave him the best ending. And, after a short time, I lost trust in anything he might have said. Some might have said he was forgetful… I just knew he was a liar.
If it walks like a Duck and talks like a Duck then it probably is a Duck. Considering the constant rhetoric change within any given ODOT project… well… it is what it is. And when we hear the constant drone, that nobody trusts ODOT, then any message from them falls on deaf ears.
Now, many are wanting to stop ODOT in their tracks, shutting down tolling as a mechanism for funding. The Legislators, whom have directed ODOT to toll, have not been any help either, even though there are other funding options. And now it feels like the Sand Castle will collapse if the tide gets high enough.
In Short
Article 1 - ODOT, in the Sept. 18th meeting with the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee, clearly states that the removal of the 3rd lane from I-205 will change the amount of congestion during the day. Previously, ODOT said congestion would drop from 14 hours a day down to 2 hours.
In this meeting, ODOT states they will be “re-doing our congestion reduction numbers as we re-do that work.” Time Stamp is 1:33:30 thru 1:35. Translation… ODOT was going to build their way out of traffic congestion on I-205… something they now say is not possible… note articles from last week.
Article 2 - We have used the word “Accountability” numerous times over the last year… but the point never grows old when the story is always changing.
In the state of Washington, WSDOT is looking at increasing tolls over their tolling network. Why?… because they are losing money. Tax payer dollars are filling in the void. We mention this as ODOT claims they will be making enough money tolling to pay the bills, maintain the highway network and fund new projects. FYI, WSDOT average back office costs were 20% in 2022.
This article, from The Washington Policy Center, is a good read as to Washington’s situation and what we will most likely encounter in the future. But who knows, the story keeps changing.
Article 3 - Initiative Petition 4, (IP-4) has got people motivated and, for some, wondering if this is the best option. Some might say it is akin to bringing a gun to a knife fight… we might suggest it is more of throwing a fire blanket on a grease fire.
If you have not read the text of IP-4, we have included it below. The packet is in our header if you wish to fill it out.
What we bring to you this week, and next, are the implications of what a “Yes” or “No” vote might mean to us Oregonians. How does this play out and why is there the full-out desire to eliminate tolling in Oregon. FYI, this, and other info, is in this week’s podcast which can be listened to thru your computer or phone.
Weekly Articles
Tolling and a 3rd lane on I-205 would have lowered congestion, according to ODOT
Washington Policy Center article, good hyperlinks within as well
BELOW - Click the 3 lines next to the Download button, then select down…
