The Oregon Department of Transportation faces a difficult budget outlook as it works within existing revenue while confronting a $200 million shortfall.

According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek tasked a group of business and transportation experts with evaluating and recommending solutions to lawmakers to address the deficit.

The funding gap could force major construction projects to stall, increase roadway fatalities and serious injuries, lead to cuts in public transit and passenger rail service, and push the agency to shift maintenance work toward reactive repairs and emergency responses, ODOT Climate Director Susan Peithman told the outlet.

This marks the fifth budget cycle in which ODOT will have to cut services and staff unless lawmakers provide more revenue or rearrange existing revenue.

The 12-member taskforce met earlier this week to discuss what ODOT can accomplish with existing revenue and how much additional funding would be needed to avoid service cuts, Oregon Capital Chronicle reported. The group must submit three investment scenarios, funding options and policy proposals to the governor by Dec. 15.

ODOT Weights Options Within Existing Revenue

Kotek recommended that the agency stay within its exiting revenue for the 2027 budget, following a May referendum in which more than 80% of Oregon voters rejected measures to increase the gas tax, payroll tax and vehicle registration and title fees.

Without additional funding, transportation infrastructure in the state could deteriorate more quickly.  The funding gap would also prevent 30 nonhighway infrastructure project identified through the Connect Oregon program from moving forward, Oregon Capital Chronicle reported.

ODOT’s budget will also face pressure from cost overruns and lost tolling revenue, diverting funding from statewide bridge and seismic preservation projects.

Routine maintenance is expected to be among the areas most affected. Motorists could face more road closures, rougher roads and slower responses to traffic incidents.

Safety is another area that could see significant consequences. Serious injuries and fatalities are projected to increase 15% over the next decade, and 30% fewer teenagers would receive driver education. Additionally, 40% of priority walking and bicycle routes would remain unfinished.

Task Force Considers Different Funding Scenarios

The working group will meet Nov. 19 to finalize their recommendations to the governor.

 One proposed scenario would require the agency to raise $644 million annually, with73% dedicated exclusively to maintenance and operations. No funding would be allocated to major construction or nonhighway infrastructure projects, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported.

Another scenario, designed to support most of the state’s transportation needs, would require the agency to raise $1.38 billion annually. Under this proposal, 60% of the funding would go towards operations and maintenance, 25% towards public transit, 7% toward major projects and 4% toward nonhighway transportation infrastructure.

Source: Oregon Capital Chronicle