Oregon legislators advance House Bill 2025 to secure transportation funding and enhance safety

Oregon's Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment convened on June 12, 2025, to discuss critical advancements in the state's transportation funding, particularly focusing on House Bill 2025. This proposed legislation aims to stabilize and modernize the state highway fund, ensuring that counties maintain their essential 30% share of revenues.

Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) and various county commissioners, expressed strong support for the bill. They emphasized the importance of the 50-30-20 funding formula, which allocates resources to state, county, and city transportation needs. This formula is vital for maintaining Oregon's diverse transportation system, which includes urban, suburban, and rural roads, as well as critical emergency routes.

Commissioner Garrett from Columbia County highlighted that state highway fund revenues constitute 70% of their road funding, underscoring the necessity of House Bill 2025 for addressing safety issues and enhancing infrastructure. The bill also proposes updates to the small county allotment program, ensuring that funding grows alongside increases in the state highway fund, which is crucial for low-population counties.

Multnomah County's Transportation Division Director, John Henriksen, pointed out the dire state of rural roads, with nearly half having failed due to years of underfunding. He called for a comprehensive transportation package that prioritizes safety and resilience, noting that the proposed funding is essential for local agencies to maintain operations and infrastructure.

The meeting also featured comments from city representatives, including Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, who stressed the urgent need for investment in transportation infrastructure. He reported a staggering $6 billion maintenance backlog in Portland, warning that without the proposed funding, essential services would face further cuts, impacting not just the city but the entire state’s economy.

As discussions continue, the committee is urged to prioritize the passage of House Bill 2025 to ensure that Oregon's transportation system can meet the needs of its communities and support economic growth. The implications of this legislation are significant, promising to enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and foster a more efficient transportation network across the state.