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ODOT warns of deep cuts, layoffs and service disruptions unless $242M gap is resolved
Summary
Deputy Director Travis Brower briefed the commission on a $242 million budget shortfall for the 2025–27 biennium and presented tiered reduction options. A worst‑case scenario relying solely on internal reductions could cut about 1,039 positions (≈22% of workforce) and lead to closed DMV field offices, reduced maintenance crews, and slower incident response.
Deputy Director Travis Brower gave a comprehensive briefing on ODOT's fiscal outlook and the consequences of a remaining $242,000,000 budget gap in the 2025–27 biennium. Brower said ODOT has already taken about $150 million in reductions; the legislature is considering a package that could redirect revenue and close a larger, roughly $297 million gap, but if redirection does not occur the agency laid out a reduction proposal in tiers.
"If we are forced to close the gap entirely through reductions, we estimate a potential loss of 1,039 positions agency‑wide—about 22% of our workforce—on top of prior staffing reductions," Brower said. He described the staged approach: an initial $70 million in reductions that would rely mainly on holding vacancies (avoiding layoffs), and deeper tiers that would require layoffs and more severe service impacts. A worst‑case scenario he presented would close or reduce hours at multiple DMV field offices, eliminate nighttime maintenance shifts at many maintenance stations, close some rest areas, lengthen incident response times, and degrade pavement, bridge and culvert conditions over time.
Commissioners reacted strongly, noting the human and operational toll of layoffs and urging additional communication with legislators and the public. Chair Brown asked staff to provide the commission with the detailed slide deck and to return with an update after the legislature's adjournment; Brower said ODOT would report back at the March meeting with legislative developments and proposed steps for any enacted changes.
