Transportation Budget Is Billions Short In Oregon

"With Portland-area population projected to grow by 1 million by 2030, the region would need to spend at least $22 billion to keep up with increasing traffic, the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation said."

"The committee approved a regional transportation plan that forecasts $9.07 billion in spending through 2035."

"Four mayors, three members of the Metro Council, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams and Multnomah County Chairman Ted Wheeler serve on the 17-member panel, which controls spending of federal transportation money in the region."

"Many members said they were frustrated that years of traffic analysis have yielded few results. Several faulted the state Legislature and federal government for failing to raise gas taxes or find other money to address an aging, inadequate transportation infrastructure."