LOC News
Surveys Demonstrate Significant Need for Investment in Local Streets, Infrastructure
Earlier this spring and summer, the LOC distributed two critical surveys related to street conditions, and water and transportation infrastructure needs. The reports continue to demonstrate significant unmet needs across Oregon’s cities. The street conditions survey results confirm that a significant number of city street miles are in subpar condition, with 78% of cities rating their roads as fair, poor, or very poor. These findings are consistent with the 2016 survey and show that despite the increase in the State Highway Fund distribution since 2017, local governments still need infrastructure investment. The infrastructure survey report confirmed that the unmet need is estimated at $5.5 billion.
These reports will be presented to the Joint Committee on Transportation as they evaluate the scale of investment needed in Oregon’s transportation infrastructure. Last week, during an Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) meeting in Florence, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) estimated the operations and maintenance budget was short an estimated $343 million and that without funding in 2025, it would risk over 1,000 ODOT jobs.
A recent report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Oregon’s entire infrastructure a C- grade. The report found a 36% increase in fatal crashes statewide from 2017 to 2021. Road conditions also received a grade of “C.”
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 8/9/24