HB 2001- The Statewide Transportation Package

After a lengthy series of hearings, work sessions, and negotiations to secure a consensus, Senator Starr was triumphant in presenting a transportation package that will stand as one of the session’s greatest accomplishments. With Starr’s leadership, this bill was made possible. It garnered near universal support of the business community and benefits Oregonians all around the state, both urban and rural, by giving 50% of the funds to counties and cities to invest in locally identified projects. The other 50% will fund state highway maintenance and preservation, as well as 50 specified projects, a distinction from past transportation packages, to ensure the trust of the public and that certain projects get done. In total, the project list will amount to a $960 million investment.

In addition, this legislation will generate 4,600 full-time jobs each year, creating more Oregon jobs than any other bill this session and creating both short term and long term gain. In the short term this bill puts people back to work building projects, and in the long term these projects will increase the economic vitality of our state and make this a more attractive place to operate a business. 

Also a concern of Senator Starr’s- as Hillsboro’s technology belt grows, encouraging greater economic development in his district is largely dependent on convenient access to the area and the swift movement of traffic. Upcoming projects in Washington County include lane expansion on Highway 26 and revamping both the Shute road interchange and the Highway 26/Glencoe Road interchange. The bill is funded through a $16 increase in the auto registration fee, a $22 increase in the title fee, and a six cent increase in the gas tax in January 2011 or two consecutive quarters of economic growth, whichever occurs first.