Eugene IGR committee briefed on proposed statewide transportation package; city road fund deficit highlighted

Rob Innerfeld, the city’s transportation planning manager, briefed the Intergovernmental Relations Committee on May 7 about a proposed statewide transportation package the presentation labeled the Oregon Transportation Reinvestment Package (TRIP).

Rob said the TRIP as initially proposed would raise revenue through a package of changes including a phased-in fuels tax increase (described in meeting materials as a 20-cent increase phased by 2032), increases to registration and title fees, a weight-mile charge for trucks, a new vehicle-use fee tied to new vehicle sales, and a mix of other levies such as a tire sales fee intended to fund wildlife crossings and salmon restoration. The package would also include a larger payroll tax for transit and a road-usage charging program for electric vehicles and large delivery fleets.

Under the distribution described in the materials — the 50/30/20 model used for state transportation revenue — some programs would be funded off the top, and the remainder split among ODOT, counties and cities. Rob said the city’s estimate under the current proposal would be “around a 70% increase in transportation revenue” coming to the city, although he cautioned that the package could change before a bill is introduced and that details and phasing are key.

The committee heard that the city’s local road fund is drawing down reserves and, if current trends continue, will exhaust those reserves by 2028. “Our own city's road fund is in a deficit situation…and by 2028 we will be out of reserves,” Rob said, framing the proposed state package as directly relevant to Eugene’s capacity to maintain streets, stormwater systems and other assets.

Rob also described proposed accountability measures that would accompany any package and said about $250 million in the proposal was set aside to complete prior transportation commitments. He noted the transit sector is seeking a larger increase than the package currently provides (the presentation cited a roughly 500% industry request versus an 80% proposal component for transit).

Committee members asked for clarifications about particular elements (for example, why a tire tax would be tied to salmon restoration). Rob explained that researchers have identified chemical compounds from tire wear that can affect salmon reproduction and that heavier vehicles may increase tire wear.

Rob and staff said bill text and hearings were expected to be released in the coming week(s) and that there will be public hearings; staff and the mayor’s office planned outreach and potential op-ed coordination with regional partners to advocate for transportation funding. Councilors emphasized both the city’s maintenance needs and public concerns such as roadside litter on state highways.

Ending: Staff will monitor the bill text and hearings and consider participation in upcoming public outreach and policy discussions.