Without the extension, the city’s transportation bureau faces a $32 million shortfall.
This month, voters in Portland, Oregon will decide whether to renew a local gas tax that would fund the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s road maintenance budget, reports Alex Zielinski for OPB.
“Voters first approved the 10-cent-per-gallon tax in 2016, to address a mounting road maintenance backlog. It was renewed in 2020. The tax has generated nearly $150 million for PBOT over eight years.” Zielinski explains that the tax funded pedestrian crossing signals, sidewalks, speed bumps, lighting, and other safety improvements on some of Portland’s most dangerous streets.
“If voters agree to extend the tax for four more years, it will generate just over $70 million to address street maintenance and safety projects. It includes $24 million for street paving, $9 million to improve pedestrian safety on busy streets, $6 million for potholes, and $4 million to maintain street lights and signals, among other projects.” Otherwise, PBOT faces a $32 million budget deficit and will likely have to cut down on services.
FULL STORY: Portland gas tax renewal goes to voters in May
Audit: Portland’s Vision Zero Needs More Data, Funding
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Portland, Ore. Voters Will Be Asked to Reauthorize Gas Tax in May 2020
Originally approved by 52 percent of voters in May 2016, the 4-year, 10 cents per gallon city gas tax has outperformed revenue projections. Funds are split between road maintenance and bike and pedestrian projects.
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In spite of the city's commitment to Vision Zero goals, more people died on Portland's streets than anytime in the last thirty years, with unhoused people most vulnerable to traffic violence.
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