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Committee repeatedly prioritizes maintenance, preservation and safety over new projects
Summary
Multiple panelists and committee members urged prioritizing maintenance, preservation and safety — especially for rural roads, bridges and critical corridors — arguing that deferred upkeep increases long‑term costs and risks emergency access.
When asked which work should come first if the state cannot fund everything, panelists consistently answered: maintenance, preservation and safety. Multiple speakers — including Tammy (Deschutes County/COG) and Lisa Collier (Wallowa County) — said maintaining the existing system avoids higher replacement costs, preserves freight and emergency access and protects rural livelihoods.
Tammy told the group, "Maintenance and preservation." Committee members said visible, recurring work that appears wasteful (for example, repeatedly replacing ADA ramps) undermines public trust and credibility; they urged clearer sequencing and accountability so investments deliver durable benefits.
