Ways and Means advances ODOT budget tied to uncertain transportation package

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means advanced a $6.1 billion budget for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), but lawmakers repeatedly warned the plan depends on passage of a separate transportation funding bill.

The subcommittee recommended a total-funds budget of $6,100,000,000 and 4,803 positions for ODOT, a 12.4% decrease from the previous biennium. The recommendation assumes a transportation funding measure will pass; without it, the budget would omit $371,600,000 in other funds and would not restore 884 positions that the proposal otherwise would reinstate.

The budget proposal reduces other funds by $46,000,000 and eliminates 121 operations and maintenance positions, of which the committee said 94% are currently vacant. The recommendation also includes $276,900,000 and 55 positions for non-state-highway investments including interstate bridge work, federal grant oversight, increased demand for REAL ID credentials, and completion of the Newberg–Dundee Bypass phase two.

Representative Combert, who presented the measure, summarized the subcommittee recommendation and the assumed revenue structure. Ben Rue of the Legislative Fiscal Office told the committee, "If the transportation package does not pass, there will be insufficient revenue for this budget. So, the reinvestment piece will be removed from their budget. And that's at, dollars 371,600,000.0 in 884 positions." Rue added the agency would need to operate under a reduction plan until the Legislature can act again.

Several lawmakers said the dependency on a separate transportation package made them uneasy. Representative Owens said, "I can't vote for this because I would if the transportation package didn't pass, we would have to understand, in my opinion, how we are gonna provide safe roads for all our Oregonians, and I don't know how we get there." Senator Teran noted the transportation plan was "in trouble" and that she planned to vote no.

Committee staff and presenters pointed to an attachment labeled "package 70" as the list of reductions that would remain if the transportation package fails. Staff also said agencies could be put on a continuing resolution, which would be effective only until Sept. 15 and would severely hamper ODOT operations if no budget adjustments are made before then.

Action: The Capital Construction Subcommittee recommended Senate Bill 55 41 be amended (dash 4) and reported out "due pass as amended." The committee moved and the motion passed without recorded roll-call details in the work session minutes.

Why it matters: ODOT's budget affects road maintenance, safety programs, and statewide infrastructure projects. The committee’s action advances the budget but leaves implementation contingent on a separate, unresolved revenue bill.

What’s next: The committee reported the measure out; if the transportation funding bill fails, staff said ODOT will need to execute package 70 reductions and report back to the Legislature for further direction.