05/03/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

II. Presentation on State Highway Program by Dave Jones, District Engineer, Oregon State Highway Division Manager noted the focus of presentati on woul d be on the proposed revenue __' I increasing measures: Gas tax, weight-mile, and license fee increases to be voted on in statewide elections May and November of 1978. He noted Council, during the 1977 legislative session, had formally endorsed the three propositions. The City will benefit directly in terms of additional revenues and better roads. Dave Jones gave a 12-minute slide presentation focusing on Ballot Measure No.5. If Ballot Measure No.5 were approved, highway maintenance will by law become the NO.1 priority for use of State Highway funds. Funding for bike paths will' be transferred to the State General Fund. The State gas tax will increase by $.02, and commercial truck rates would increase by 12 percent. The main issues identified by Mr. Jones were as follows: 1) Major State Highway priority of maintenance and modernization of roads; 2) limited diversion in use of State Highway funds; 3) adequacy of funding to bring the State highway system up to modern safety standards; 4) increase in financing for local government road projects. He noted the inflation factor causing highway revenues to fall behind in relation to the costs, whi 1 e the weather takes its toll on the roads. There are 350 miles of the State system that need repaving each year, but with present financing it is only possible to repave 100 miles. He said as the backlog grows, so do the costs. He reviewed for Council the six-year project schedule. Under the current program, there is a priority B list which would maintain a present level of financing; a priority A list which would include the B projects and others that could be financed if the voters approve the measure. These preliminary lists were taken to 39 areas in ~ the state with the results indicating a favorable attitude toward projects ~ on the A and B lists, with an additional A-plus list of local improvement needs. The A-plus list will be financed through the sale of bonds, and would include local projects. He reviewed for Council the increase in license fees, noting that Oregon was one of the lowest in the nation. Ballot Measure 5 would bring relief to the cities, as about one-third of the, amount received would be distributed to cities and counties. Mr. Lieuallen wondered whether the bike money would continue to be forth- coming. Mr. Jones said it was part of the legislation passed by the Legislature. However, in each legislative session, it would be up for scruti ny. In response to a questi on from Mr. Haws, Manager safd file City of Eugene had received $1.2 million per year in the past four or five years. The amount received depended on the relative population distribution and growth rate of the funds. Mr. Jones said Eugene would receive, through this new plan, over the next six years approximately $2,596,000; or approximately $400,000 per year. That would allow three miles of City streets to be repaved; however he noted there were other commitments and other programs to be included with this funding. 5/3/78--2 - 301