What makes for a successful legislative session in Oregon in 2003? My list includes a PERS fix, a transportation package that meets our current needs, and a budget that will provide stable and adequate funding for our children's schools (pre-K to 16), restores basic health care for the poor, and restores funding for public safety. We have made great progress on the PERS system as I reported earlier. The budget wrangle is under way. The big news this week is that the transportation bill, HB 2041 is headed for the house floor for a vote. It will pass.

HB 2041 - Transportation Reinvestment

HB 2041 is the Transportation reinvestment bill for the 2003-05 legislative session. It passed out of the Revenue Committee, (of which I am a member) today on a unanimous vote

The bill is a first step in dealing with the $4 to $6 billion backlog in bridge repair and replacement we will need to deal with over the next 20 to 30 years. This bill will repair or replace our most important damaged bridges on I-5, I-84 and several other main highways. Moreover, it will get money to local governments so that local roads can be repaired, and people in all corners of the state will have access to the jobs that transportation construction projects generate.

Bridges that were designed to last about 50 years are now 50 to 60 years old, and are now failing. We need to start work immediately. The Willamette River Bridge between Eugene and Glenwood on the Freeway is one such bridge. It has reached the end of its lifespan and will be expensive to replace, but fully 60% of Oregon's economy moves on heavy trucks. Thus, road infrastructure is critically important to keep the economy vital, both in the state and in Central Lane and Linn Counties.

Money for road and bridge maintenance projects will come from bonds paid for by increased fees on licensing, title transfer fees, and weight mile fees (paid by the heavy trucks).

The one major piece of transportation infrastructure not addressed by this bill is our system of passenger and freight railroads in Oregon. Two of the three daily trains between Eugene and Portland depend upon state general funds for their operation. Ridership is up and growing, reducing the strain on the freeway. Many cities along the route are preparing for a renaissance in passenger rail. Albany and Eugene are restoring historic stations. Salem has already completed its restoration. These trains may be cut from the general fund budget. That will get a battle from me.

The smart money is that we will finish our work and adjourn sine die in early August. Stay tuned...