7/30/09-Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Wednesday, July 29, signed into law the biggest transportation package in the state’s history. It raises gas taxes, weight-mile taxes and vehicle fees to generate $300 million annually for road and bridge fixes.
As part of the Jobs and Transportation Act, which calls for more than $1 billion in infrastructure funding, the state’s 24-cent-per-gallon gas tax will increase by 6 cents, but not right away. The boost will be triggered either after two straight quarters of employment growth or by Jan. 2011.
For truckers, they will pay a proportional increase in weight-mile taxes. Also included are increases in vehicle registration and vehicle title fees that take effect this fall.
Previously HB2001, the transportation package uses an additional $100 million for rail, marine, air, transit and train projects. And it uses $70 million annually to bond $1 billion worth of road projects to reduce congestion and improve freight mobility.
Cities and counties will split about $140 million annually to maintain roads and fund additional projects in local communities.
The state’s rest areas also will get a shot in the arm. The transportation package includes $3 million a year for upkeep of the facilities.

6/5/09-The Senate voted 24-6 to advance to Gov. Ted Kulongoski a transportation package that raises gas taxes, weight-miles taxes and vehicle fees. House lawmakers have already approved the governor’s initiative to raise $300 million annually for transportation.
As part of House Bill 2001, the state’s 24-cent-per-gallon gas tax will increase by 6 cents, but not right away. The boost will be triggered either after two straight quarters of employment growth or by Jan. 2011.
For truckers, they will pay a proportional increase in weight-mile taxes. Also included in the bill are increases in vehicle registration and vehicle title fees.
The bill uses an additional $100 million for rail, marine, air, transit and train projects. And it uses $70 million annually to bond $1 billion worth of road projects to reduce congestion and improve freight mobility.
Cities and counties will split about $140 million annually to maintain roads and fund additional projects in local communities.
Also included in the bill is a provision providing $3 billion a year for upkeep of rest areas.
For bill status, call 800-332-2313.