The Register-Guard reports, “The Oregon Department of Transportation and the state’s cities and counties estimate they need an extra $1.3 billion a year to preserve roads and bridges, ease congestion and bolster public transportation, according to an analysis state lawmakers released [on February 1].” As for funding options, “Along with the usual suspects — higher gas taxes and vehicle registration fees, plus studded tire fees — the list includes ideas new for Oregon: toll roads, registration fees for electric vehicles, higher regional gas taxes, local registration fees, taxes on bicycles, a per-mile road user fee, a statewide property tax or even a carbon tax,” according to the report.
