Podcasts about odot

Andy and Dan react to the breaking news of the Browns' stadium permit being denied by ODOT-Aviation and what that means for the future of the team's Brook Park Project

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has a $350 million deficit. Governor Tina Kotek has said that if this funding is not secured, she will lay off about 500 ODOT employees.During the regular legislative session that ended in June, Democrats (who hold a supermajority in both the House and the Senate) could not reach a consensus on a transportation funding bill (HB 2025). Sidelining and ignoring Republicans further ensured that the bill would not pass.To deal with the budget shortfall, the Governor has called for a special session for Friday, August 29. Her goal is to raise the gas tax by six cents ($.06), increase vehicle registration fees by $42, and raise title fees by $139.House Minority Leader Christine Drazen has proposed an alternative. Instead of raising taxes and fees on Oregon motorists, the legislature could use emergency funds from the Legislative Emergency Board. Hundreds of millions of dollars are set aside every legislative session for use in an emergency. Using emergency funds would not raise the gas tax and could fund ODOT until the 2026 session when a working solution can be found.Oregon currently has the fourth-highest gas prices in the nation. Raising the gas tax should not be an option. Legislators should find a way to fund important transportation maintenance services without punishing Oregonians at the pump.

Joining the Exchange to tell us more is Dirk Vanderhart, an OPB reporter covering the story.

Justin Chesnic, Assistant to the Deputy Director and Public Information Officer, gives us the latest from ODOT.

Will you fight back against politicians raising your cost of living based on ODOT's lies? Send this to your House/Senate legislators and demand no new taxes and ask for a complete ODOT audit. https://cityobservatory.org/odots-big-lie-about-transportation-spending/ Legislators don't have 1st amendment rights after all: https://www.koin.com/news/portland/i-5-bridge-projects-advance-metro-approve-program-07302025/ The Portland gets everything politicians are expecting less money for the IBR so they convince Metro to pony up 1.9 billion: https://www.koin.com/news/portland/i-5-bridge-projects-advance-metro-approve-program-07302025/ 

 Drazan makes the case that there's no need for a special session as emergency funds can fill the gap. Does that mean R's aren't going to show up? https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2025/07/opinion-use-emergency-funding-account-to-prevent-odot-layoffs.html Kotek still wants a massive cost of living increase in a watered down transportation tax increase. https://kobi5.com/news/top-stories/governor-kotek-outlines-plan-for-special-session-280082/ ODOT #1 lie debunked: https://oregoncatalyst.com/89664-odot-big-fib-1-debunked.html PA's dirty voter rolls are the same as Oregon's has been for decades: https://thefederalist.com/2025/07/28/riddled-with-errors-dirty-voter-rolls-pose-growing-threat-to-election-integrity/ Golf Force One, armored golf cart for Trump in Scotland: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/golf-force-one-armored-golf-cart-seen-as/ Trump's historic EU trade deal: tariff's work: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/as-trump-reaches-historic-eu-trade-deal-his/

Portland Public Schools' new board is facing an uphill battle, local farms are grappling with potential new restrictions, and Gov. Tina Kotek is proposing a new financial strategy to keep ODOT afloat. Joining host Claudia Meza for the Friday news round-up are Willamette Week reporter and author, Brianna Wheeler, and our executive producer, John Notarianni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Claudia Meza Brings Humor and Precision to City Cast Podcast [Willamette Week] At Portland Public Schools, a ‘Mom Takeover' and a Brewing Storm [Oregonian

Drazan makes the case that there's no need for a special session as emergency funds can fill the gap. Does that mean R's aren't going to show up? https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2025/07/opinion-use-emergency-funding-account-to-prevent-odot-layoffs.htmlKotek still wants a massive cost of living increase in a watered down transportation tax increase. https://kobi5.com/news/top-stories/governor-kotek-outlines-plan-for-special-session-280082/ ODOT #1 lie debunked: https://oregoncatalyst.com/89664-odot-big-fib-1-debunked.html PA's dirty voter rolls are the same as Oregon's has been for decades: https://thefederalist.com/2025/07/28/riddled-with-errors-dirty-voter-rolls-pose-growing-threat-to-election-integrity/ Golf Force One, armored golf cart for Trump in Scotland: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/golf-force-one-armored-golf-cart-seen-as/ Trump's historic EU trade deal: tariff's work: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/as-trump-reaches-historic-eu-trade-deal-his/  

Earlier this month the Oregon Department of Transportation announced it would need to lay off nearly 500 workers. This came after lawmakers failed to pass a transportation package to help boost the budget of the agency responsible for road maintenance around the state. Now, Gov. Tina Kotek has announced a special session will be held in late August with the hopes of finding the funds for the state’s transportation agency and has also shared she will delay impending layoffs. OPB politics reporter Dirk Vanderhart joins us to share more on what to expect from the upcoming special session.

Are you willing to pay more at the pump in exchange for getting rid of tolling? https://djcoregon.com/news/2025/07/21/oregon-toll-repeal-special-session-meek/ ODOT can't use specific road dollars to backfill their management budget hole, guaranteeing a special session to raise your cost of living: https://www.wweek.com/news/state/2025/07/21/odot-cant-use-cash-from-projects-to-avert-layoffs/ How high is too high for minimum wage? https://reason.com/2025/07/16/californias-minimum-wage-hike-cost-18000-fast-food-jobs-as-employment-ticked-up-in-other-states/   

Mark "Munch" Bishop is joined by Justin Chesnic, the Public Information Officer from Ohio's Department of Transportation for information on all the major road closings Canton!

Columbus City Schools teacher killed in a domestic violence incident; drivers stranded after a semi crash closed I-71 northbound in Fayette County for more than 8 hours overnight; some Ohio lawmakers are urging federal officials to keep Wright-Patterson Air Force Base under 4-star command amid Defense Department cuts; why did ODOT post a rendering of the new Cleveland Browns stadium full of trash?

Columbus City Schools teacher killed in a domestic violence incident; drivers stranded after a semi crash closed I-71 northbound in Fayette County for more than 8 hours overnight; some Ohio lawmakers are urging federal officials to keep Wright-Patterson Air Force Base under 4-star command amid Defense Department cuts; why did ODOT post a rendering of the new Cleveland Browns stadium full of trash?

Kotek scrambles to save union ODOT jobs by punishing you with layoffs and raising your taxes: https://www.wweek.com/news/state/2025/07/13/as-kotek-scrambles-to-save-odot-union-jobs-here-are-positions-being-cut-and-vacated/ Actual ODOT jobs being cut: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NnnfWZP7_9AdorcoJHZq1dnYYTisAil_/view Rep Mannix files anti crime citizens initiative: https://oregoncatalyst.com/89412-rep-mannix-launches-anticrime-ballot-measure.html Trump dumps 2B boondoggle grant to Portland for ridiculous Rose Quarter project: https://oregoncatalyst.com/89409-trump-dumps-portland-grant-2b-boondoggle-director-resigns.html Judge cuts loose illegal tyranny asylum seeker; https://oregoncatalyst.com/89409-trump-dumps-portland-grant-2b-boondoggle-director-resigns.html Can tranny nonsense be turned back? https://www.campusreform.org/article/vanderbilt-medical-center-cuts-lgbtq-staff-ends-trans-buddy-program/28215 Trumps immigration policy strongly supported by polls: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/new-poll-finds-trumps-immigration-policies-still-strongly/

Former Fed prosecutor John Deaton talks the Epstein files and controversy, State Rep. Dwayne Yunker announces his re-election, talks the end of the session, special session for ODOT, probably end of September.

Public transit agencies across the state may soon be seeing some changes in services as some face funding troubles. The Federal Transportation Administration recently made revisions to its agreement with rural transit agencies, requiring them to comply with federal immigration enforcement action, contradicting Oregon’s sanctuary state law. This dispute has left some federal reimbursements in limbo for agencies. At the same time, House Bill 2025, which would have raised billions through fees and taxes for road projects, ultimately failed in the state Legislature. Melissa Metz is the general manager for the Coos County Area Transportation District. They recently announced some services will be suspended and will be accepting public comments at their next board meeting. Julie Brown is the general manager for the Rogue Valley Transportation District, the president of the Community Transit Association of America and the commissioner chair for the Oregon Department of Transportation. The RVTD recently shared that funding uncertainties will lead to a reduction in staff and service, alongside ODOT’s recent announcement of laying off nearly 500 employees. Metz and Brown join us to share more on some of the challenges facing rural transit agencies right now, and what they’d like to see in a special session from lawmakers.

Does Trump's decision not to release the Epstein client list destroy trust and thereby endanger MAGA? His biggest supporter says yes: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/wayne-root-trump-gives-us-best-first-6/ CIA whistleblower says Trump is protecting Israelis: https://rumble.com/v6vypa0-cia-whistleblower-john-kiriakou-trump-is-blocking-epstein-release-to-protec.html Epstein died in a different room than what video shows: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/breaking-another-massive-epstein-bombshell-media-narrative-destroyed/ DOJ has millions of pages of Epstein evidence that hasn't been destroyed: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/07/epstein-horrors-official-sleight-hand-about-millions-pages/ CIA still filled with dirty spies: https://thefederalist.com/2025/07/10/exclusive-henchmen-behind-brennans-fake-russia-collusion-assessment-are-still-at-the-cia/ Reparations stopped in Big Beautiful Bill for ODOT Rose Quarter rebuild: https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/rose-quarter-improvement-projects-450-million-in-federal-grants-eliminated-odot-says/ OR health agencies crying about illegals kicked off and work requirements in Medicaid in Big Beautiful Bill: https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/oregon-health-agencies-say-big-beautiful-bill-could-destabilize-entire-system/ 

07.11.25 Ray Marsch with ODOT

Best Ballparks in the MLB. Potholes derail the show. ITN featuring hot ODOT news!

Lars Larson takes aim at the Interstate Bridge project, arguing it's underfunded, mismanaged, and unlikely to ever be built. With Oregon lawmakers pushing more than $251 million toward planning and no new leadership at ODOT, he raises serious concerns about priorities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-the-interstate-bridge-project-lacks-billions-in-funding-from-both-oregon-and-washington/ #LarsLarson #ODOT #TinaKotek #BridgeFunding #I5Bridge #Opinion #TransportationPolicy #PNWPolitics #OregonLegislature #SB5505

Should Republicans not show up for any special session that raises taxes? Especially after Kotek and ODOT punishes the citizens? Lars has the viewpoint. https://oregoncatalyst.com/89213-lars-larson-odot-strikes.html New I-5 bridge may cost $20 tolls: https://oregoncatalyst.com/89215-i5-bridge-tolls-hit-20.html Tom Homan to visit Portland to go hard after ANTIFA, Dems and Kotek: https://katu.com/news/local/portland-braces-for-federal-focus-as-22-charged-with-crimes-at-ice-facility 

Former Sen Linthicum weekly interview on possible transportation special sessionShould Feds go really hard after ANTIFA and their funders rioting at ICE in Portland like they are in TX ambush ICE officers? https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/08/attempted-murder-charges-against-10-who-ambushed-ice-agents-in-texas/ Fish wrap editorial board challenges Kotek with strong language about her road PLA agreement: https://oregoncatalyst.com/89184-oregonian-challenges-kotek-cut-pla-road-deal.html Kotek and ODOT send out lay off notices to the line workers but no cuts to management who screwed up ODOT finances: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/07/nearly-500-oregon-transportation-workers-get-layoff-notices-after-preventable-funding-emergency/  

Tina Kotek's Executive Order banning cell phones in schools is unconstitutional: https://katu.com/news/local/teachers-parents-oregon-governor-cell-phone-ban-schools-reactions-students-learning-education-distraction-mental-health-bully-grades ODOT's VOODOO accounting system is no excuse for raising our cost of living by raising taxes and fees: https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2025/07/oregon_s_voodot_accounting_system.html Merkley lies in fundraising letter about SCOTUS ruling favoring Trump: https://oregoncatalyst.com/89029-decode-sen-merkeleys-supreme-court-scare.html 

With the Oregon Legislature failing to pass a transportation funding bill, ODOT now faces up to 700 layoffs. Director Kris Strickler called the situation shocking, and local officials warn of ripple effects across transit, safety, and infrastructure. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/oregon-dot-director-calls-transportation-funding-bill-failure-shocking-warns-of-layoffs/ #ODOT #OregonLegislature #TransportationFunding #Layoffs #PublicTransitCuts #HouseBill2025 #PacificNorthwest #InfrastructureCrisis #KrisStrickler #ClimateSolutions

It's all about no taxes on tips/overtime and maybe social security in the big beautiful bill: : Optics and cementing MAGA for the next generation: https://rumble.com/v6vkc6p-stephen-miller-makes-the-hard-pitch-for-the-big-beautiful-bill.html  Partial no tax on social security: https://taxfoundation.org/blog/no-tax-on-social-security-senior-tax-deduction/ RINO's and Dems reject kicking illegal aliens off Medicaid: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/06/just-senate-rejects-measure-kick-illegals-medicaid-56/ It's what Dems fear the most in OR: it's all about the tips: https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/oregon-minimum-wage-35-cent-hike-not-anything/ Tina blames everyone including R's for bloated ODOT bailout bill failing and she gonna lay off workers to punish you. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/oregon-transportation-funding-roads-layoffs-staff-worker-bill-salem/283-3f5f2cda-9147-4901-bf80-4afc47424091 Trump's tariffs are spiking inflation: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inflation-trump-tariffs/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us Tariff's have brought in 121B so far: https://rumble.com/v6vjzkl-cnbc-forced-to-recognize-that-trumps-tariffs-have-brought-in-over-121-billi.html Trump visits Alligator Alcatraz: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/06/watch-trump-visit-new-alligator-alcatraz-alien-detention/    

06.27.25 Pam Cook is joined by Justin Chesnic with the latest from ODOT

06.13.25 Pam Cook is joined by Justin Chesnic with ODOT

06.06.25

The Oregon legislature is about to pass Senate Bill 1182, which would authorize the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to give away the half-billion dollar, four-acre, I-5 lid over the Rose Quarter—plus all property and development rights and contracts—to a single black-owned nonprofit, the Albina Vision Trust or AVT.ODOT's Design Summary for the cover states that a “Black-led, community development corporation” would control the property and development. AVT's leader states that “the Black community should be able to have both the land on the freeway caps and the jobs that come with building them.”This would qualify as denying opportunities to those who aren't Black, based solely upon their race. The Supreme Court outlawed this practice two years ago in Fair Admissions v. Harvard when the majority wrote, “ameliorating societal discrimination does not constitute a compelling interest that justifies race-based state action.”In other words, SB1182 would support construction and ownership opportunities that violate state and federal laws prohibiting race-based discrimination. Handing over public assets to a private organization who plans to hire only Black contractors will simply invite litigation, and legislators should be ashamed of themselves for approving it.The Governor should veto SB1182.

Rumor is that Merkley may not run again so which Republican should challenge him? https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/05/jeff-merkley-hasnt-said-hell-step-down-from-the-us-senate-but-some-top-oregon-democrats-have-registered-websites-just-in-case.html Kotek provides cover for Dems massive cost of living transportation tax increase with fake letter to ODOT demanding immediate accountability: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/05/gov-tina-kotek-presses-oregon-department-of-transportation-to-improve-its-performance.html OR House R's try to pull wildfire risk map bill from committee that Dems are holding hostage: https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/29/oregon-republicans-say-dems-delaying-vote-on-wildfire-map-repeal-to-get-votes-for-wildfire-funding/ OR Senate passes bad 2A gun bill because Republicans wont walk out: https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/29/oregon-senate-passes-hotly-contested-gun-bill/ OFF doesn't hold back: https://www.oregonfirearms.org/category/off-alerts Trump needs to go rouge on rouge judges unconstitutionally stopping his agenda: https://thefederalist.com/2025/05/30/by-appeasing-rogue-judges-trump-legitimizes-leftists-judicial-coup/ Federalist Society being hit by Trump for bad judge recommendations: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/05/trump-goes-federalist-society-recommending-judges-when-he/   

05.30.25 Pam Cook is joined by ODOT's Justin Chesnic to disscuss upcoming proejcts in and aorund Stark County

Once upon a time, Oregon blew up a whale carcass on the beach near Florence.  The news broadcast of the event has now been viewed millions of times all over the world.  If you needed a palate cleanser, we got you.   Sources Video of the broadcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6CLumsir34 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploding_whale https://web.archive.org/web/20220527115433/https://tourism.oregonstate.edu/the-case-of-the-exploding-whale/ https://www.milb.com/news/emeralds-announce-exploding-whale-alternate-identity https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2013/10/george_thornton_the_odot_engin.html https://www.offbeatoregon.com/H001_ExplodWhale.html https://www.theexplodingwhale.com/evidence/resources/dave-barry-article/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/statesman-journal-road-crews-to-blow-up/63143771/ https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/thar-she-blows/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110717092953/http://tafkac.org/animals/exploding.whale/son_of_blubber.html https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KOdVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6114%2C3133152 https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2020/11/12/fifty-years-later-florence-oregon-embraces-tale-exploding-whale/6259171002/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/20/us/exploding-whale-memorial-park.html https://www.reddit.com/r/HistoryPorn/comments/1abd0qa/a_whale_carcass_explodes_on_a_beach_in_florence/ https://emeralds.milbstore.com/collections/exploding-whales/Department_T-Shirts https://www.opb.org/artsandlife/series/history/florence-oregon-whale-explosion-history/ https://katu.com/news/local/exploding-whale-day-54-years-since-whale-infamously-blown-up-on-oregon-beach https://katu.com/news/local/florence-locals-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-exploding-whale-11-15-2020# https://www.theexplodingwhale.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Exploding-Whale-Other-Remarkable-Stories/dp/1558687432/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WZMJGBW9ZM3H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TRp-LQjLHkqwOdOo5q1UTlZ2g6xk_ayAssrLOKY-BCvVZ1Bwd7aYyvy7DLz4U5rzJHK7itIJbj5FMEcKnifeRA.A-jFUoQiUAcIqrD-CdtVscoIDSS7amVZBWa8osHnxW8&dib_tag=se&keywords=exploding+whale+book&qid=1748144103&sprefix=exploding+whale+book%2Caps%2C337&sr=8-1 https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/registerguard/name/walter-umenhofer-obituary?id=17951162  

05.23.25 Pam Cook is joined by ODOT's Justin Chesnic

Plymouth’s West Broadway Street bridge has been closed for nearly three years, but progress is finally underway. At a recent town hall, residents heard from ODOT and Richland Engineering about updated designs, a tight funding deadline, and what to expect next. The village now has until next summer to award a construction contract. If all goes as planned, the rebuilt bridge could reopen soon after, with new safety features and improved drainage. Fellowship: https://www.richlandsource.com/source-media-journalism-fellowship/ Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police investigation into death of Kei'mani LatigueThe process and police work that goes into something so gut-wrenching and emotional with guest Mike Haynes, President of Toledo Police Patrolman's Association.African American Legacy ProjectHonoring the 2025 Sports Legends Hall of Fame class and the leadership who works to make sure the recognition and tradition is there with Robert Smith, African American Legacy Project Director.Ohio Department of Transportation upcoming projectsMore diverging diamonds are on their way to northwest Ohio. ODOT District 2's Patrick McColley clues us in on the when and the why of the projects.

There's finally a card that rewards you for the one expense that's been completely ignored in the points world: your mortgage. In this episode, I'm talking with Kelley Halpin, CEO of Mesa, about the first credit card that lets you earn points for mortgage payments—plus other major homeowner expenses like daycare, utilities, and home improvement. Kelley shares what makes the Mesa card unique, how its rewards system works, and why it's designed to serve a segment of consumers that's long been overlooked by traditional credit card programs. If you've ever wished one of your biggest monthly bills could earn serious points—this card just might become your new favorite. Make sure to check out the Mesa Homeowners Card - no annual fee, earns points on your mortgage and comes with $800+ in home benefits! Use my referral link to get 5,000 bonus points when you get approved. https://mesa.onelink.me/odOT/gge86l53?referral_code=htx8f5 Use my code to apply: htx8f5 Terms apply.   Get full show notes and transcript: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/mesa-credit-card-earn-points-mortgage/   Want to shape the show? Take the Point Me To First Class listener survey and share what you love and want more of!   Eager to learn the secrets of award travel so that you can turn your expenses into unforgettable experiences? Join the Points Made Easy course waitlist here: https://pointmetofirstclass.com/pointsmadeeasy

More than one in five bridges in Oregon was in “distressed” condition in 2024. That’s according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s annual bridge condition report. Oregon also has the fewest number of bridges in “good” condition as determined by federal standards compared to six other Western states. Under ideal conditions, ODOT says it would be able to replace 27 of those bridges per year. But with its current resources, it’s only on pace to replace three.  Tova Peltz is a statewide capital program engineer at ODOT. She joins us with an update on how the state’s bridges are faring.

Sterling talks with Kathleen Fuller of ODOT about how they are handling the flooding caused by the April showers, Kevin Carr talks movies, Dr. Donna Schlagheck tells us more about Trump's tariffs that recently went into place plus your phone calls.

Sterling talks with Kathleen Fuller of ODOT about how they are handling the flooding caused by the April showers, Kevin Carr talks movies, Dr. Donna Schlagheck tells us more about Trump's tariffs that recently went into place plus your phone calls.

ODOT is moving forward on the I-5 Rose Quarter expansion plan, despite still being short on the funding necessary to complete the project. Demand for detox beds has dropped. And Portland City Council is struggling to find space for public comment. City Cast director of digital strategy Bryan Vance and KBOO news director Althea Billings join executive producer John Notarianni for our Friday news roundup.  Discussed in today's episode:  Bryan Vance's New Newsletter [Stumptown Savings] Demand for Inpatient Drug Treatment in Portland Has Recently Dropped Off, Providers Report [KGW] Metro Says “Yes” To ODOT's I-5 Plan [Portland Mercury] Portland Struggling With ‘Confusing' Public Comment Rules in New Government [OPB] Join City Cast Portland at the 503 Day Block Party, Saturday, May 3, at downtown Portland's Ankeny Alley!! Details and RSVP here. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 4th episode: Bookshop.org - Use code CITYCAST to get 15% off your next order TEDx Portland - Use code RADIO13 for 13% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Portland economist Joe Cortright says ODOT’s projects have a history of costing much more than initial estimates. He points to proposals like the I-5 Rose Quarter project which has been in the works for nearly a decade and is estimated to cost around $1.9 billion. The estimate in 2017 was $450 million. A Statesman Journal investigation found that ODOT’s projects were over budget and the agency was unable to track some of its funds and how they were spent. Cortright, the director of City Observatory, an urban policy think tank based in Portland, joins us with details of his concerns. In a statement, ODOT writes:Transportation agencies across the state face a structural revenue issue. This issue is driven by three causes: flattening and declining gas tax revenues as cars become more efficient, consistent inflation that eats away at the purchasing power of each dollar, and legal restrictions that prevent ODOT from using available dollars to fund maintenance and operations.While the Legislature increased the gas tax in recent years, revenues are now at their peak and are expected to flatten and decline in coming years. When you account for inflation, the buying power of that revenue source is set to dramatically decrease. ODOT’s major projects in the Portland metro area, supported by city, county, state, Metro and community leaders, have seen costs grow in recent years. However, the funds dedicated to these projects are specifically directed by the legislature to construction projects and cannot be used for day-to-day maintenance and operations of the highway system. We are forced to cut back on critical efforts like plowing snow and fixing potholes independent of funding these popular projects. The public and our partners have consistently told us they want us to do both. We take our responsibility to provide safe travel for all Oregonians very seriously. The last thing we want to do is let the system we built fall into disrepair. But because of how our funding is structured, we are increasingly forced to do so. We are focused on achieving sufficient and sustainable funding for maintenance and operations in this legislative session. We are increasingly optimistic that the legislature will take this opportunity to break the pattern of past legislatures and robustly fund the maintenance, operation and preservation of our transportation system.

Earlier this month, Oregon joined nine other states in meeting a goal to get 3.3 million electric vehicles on the road by 2025. That number is set to grow under a rule that requires all new passenger cars, SUVs and pickup trucks sold in Oregon to either be fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric by 2035.  But adopting cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles also means that Oregon and other states are grappling with reduced revenues from gas taxes. Electric vehicle owners also don’t pay any gas tax, which have led states like Oregon to explore launching programs which charge motorists a fee based on how much they travel instead of how often they refill at the pump. The Oregon Department of Transportation has operated a voluntary, pay-by-mile program since 2015. Roughly 800 people are currently enrolled in OReGO, which charges participants 2 cents for every mile driven in Oregon. Joining us to talk about what’s been learned after a decade of this pilot program is Travis Brouwer, assistant director for revenue, finance and compliance at ODOT.  

Power restored for thousands in northwest Ohio after weekend storms; charges dropped against a Cincinnati firefighter who was accused of shooting two people; ODOT worker struck by a vehicle in Cleveland; state workers are back in the office after Governor DeWine orders an end to remote and hybrid work.

In 2017, Oregon lawmakers passed a transportation package that was expected to generate $5.3 billion. Eight years later, revenue forecasts show funding has fallen short of projections, leaving the Oregon Department of Transportation with an ongoing budget crisis. Audits have revealed that ODOT is failing to meet accountability measures set up in the legislation, and many of its projects are behind schedule and over budget. Anastasia Mason recently investigated the 2017 package for the Statesman Journal. She joins us to talk about what the findings could mean for ODOT as it prepares to make another big funding ask this legislative session.

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It's a Friday Night Sterling! He discusses the demonstration in Evendale, then he talks with Kathleen Fuller from ODOT to discuss I-471 re-opening, and Kevin Carr joins to discuss the latest in Movies and TV.

Sterling talks mental health with Marjorie Morrison of PsychHub, movies with Kevin Carr, updates on the 471 bridge with ODOT's Kathleen Fuller plus so much more.

Sterling talks mental health with Marjorie Morrison of PsychHub, movies with Kevin Carr, updates on the 471 bridge with ODOT's Kathleen Fuller plus so much more.

Sterling talks mental health with Marjorie Morrison of PsychHub, movies with Kevin Carr, updates on the 471 bridge with ODOT's Kathleen Fuller plus so much more.

Welcome to a Thursday night Sterling show! Valerie Sokolosky joins the show to give tips on etiquette for re-gifting. Then, Kathlene Fuller from ODOT talks to Sterling about updates on the Big Mac Bridge. Stay tuned for a conversation about flying cars and football.