SALEM – Oregon Department of Transportation officials said they will avoid layoffs and significant service cuts following the passage of legislation to address a $297 million budget shortfall in the agency’s maintenance and operations.
The measure redirects $218 million from existing state transportation funds, allowing highway maintenance crews to remain on the job, while safety and storm response operations continue, and DMV offices stay open. However, some programs, such as Safe Routes to School and Connect Oregon, will experience delayed or reduced funding.
This legislative action provides important short-term stability for Oregon’s transportation system, according to Interim Director Lisa Sumption, noting that a long-term solution is still needed. Currently, ODOT has about 700 vacant positions.
