ODOT Draft Would Prioritize Interstates, Cut “Fix-It” Funding by 40%

The Oregon Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on its draft 2027–2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP, a four-year blueprint that outlines proposed upgrades to roads, bridges and public transportation systems across the state.

The STIP identifies how billions of dollars in existing federal and state transportation funds would be invested beginning in 2027. Projects include highway paving and bridge repairs, improvements to public transit systems such as Lane Transit District in Lane County, and community initiatives like safety studies.

The agency is emphasizing the importance of public input, urging Oregonians to review the draft plan and submit comments before the March 20 deadline.

Oregon’s STIP is based strictly on funding the agency already has available and is limited to construction projects. Taxes and fees that will appear on the Oregon ballot this year relate to different portions of the agency’s budget – primarily maintenance and operations.

However, there could be indirect effects.

Funds for ODOT’s maintenance and operation budget are up for a vote and that will affect staffing for ODOT.

While STIP dollars pay for physical construction, agency employees are responsible for planning, design and oversight work that supports those type of projects. Reduced staffing could slow delivery timelines.

The draft 2027–2030 STIP has also been scaled back compared to previous plans. The proposal prioritizes paving on interstate highways and includes fewer paving projects on state and secondary highways. While funding is set aside for priority bridge repairs, other bridges on less traveled routes may face weight restrictions rather than full rehabilitation.

Overall, the draft contains about 40 percent less “fix-it” funding than the previous STIP, reflecting tighter financial constraints.

The Oregon Transportation Commission is expected to consider adoption of the final plan in June. In the meantime, residents can review the draft STIP and submit comments online through March 20 at tinyurl.com/yz44s4fj