House Bill 2025 aims to enhance Oregon counties' bridge and road safety funding

The Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss critical funding measures aimed at improving Oregon's transportation infrastructure. The meeting focused on House Bill 2025, which proposes new revenue streams to address the pressing needs of counties and cities across the state.

The session began with Chair Gorstik and Representative Gamba raising concerns about the current bridge replacement cycle, which stands at approximately 900 years. The discussion highlighted the urgency of the situation, with officials noting that the proposed bill would allow for the replacement of two to three additional bridges annually, potentially reducing the cycle to around 550-600 years by the 2931 biennium.

Mallory Roberts, representing the Association of Oregon Counties, emphasized the dire state of county road systems, which have suffered from budget cuts and reduced services due to inflation and declining fuel consumption. She outlined how House Bill 2025 would enable counties to make overdue safety improvements, such as adding guardrails and reflective striping, and to invest in bridge repairs and replacements. This funding is crucial for maintaining staffing levels in county road departments and ensuring safer roads statewide.

Roberts provided specific examples from Clackamas and Tillamook Counties. Clackamas County could use the new revenue to pave up to 25 miles of road annually and replace aging bridges, while Tillamook County plans to focus on upgrading culverts and improving road safety features, particularly in response to frequent natural disasters.

The committee also addressed concerns regarding the allocation of funds to counties that have expressed intentions to secede from Oregon. Representative Evans questioned the rationale behind investing in these counties, prompting discussions about the voters' decisions and the importance of maintaining infrastructure regardless of political sentiments.

Jim McAuley from the League of Oregon Cities shared insights on the financial distress faced by many cities, noting that a significant portion of their infrastructure is in poor condition. He highlighted that House Bill 2025 would provide a lifeline for cities to address their transportation infrastructure backlog, which is estimated at $600 million.

Cities like Medford and Portland outlined their plans for utilizing the funding, focusing on essential maintenance, safety improvements, and infrastructure upgrades. Medford aims to prioritize pavement maintenance, while Portland plans to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic management systems.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of House Bill 2025 to revitalize Oregon's transportation infrastructure, with officials expressing optimism about the potential improvements in road safety and maintenance that could result from the bill's passage. The committee plans to continue discussions and gather further data to refine the implementation of the proposed funding measures.