Press Release

May 29, 2009

Largest Jobs Bill Of The Session Passes With Leadership
From Starr And Edwards

Salem, OR — Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) and David Edwards (D-Hillsboro) played key roles in crafting the transportation package that is projected to put thousands of Oregonians to work, relieve key transportation bottlenecks around the state and help ensure the long term economic viability of the state. House Bill 2001 passed the Senate floor 26 to 4 on Friday.

“This bill is about creating lasting jobs for Oregon families in the short and long terms,” said Starr. “In the short term this bill puts people to work building the 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. This is an example of the quality product Oregonians can expect from their legislators when they put partisanship aside and unite around a compromise that puts Oregon’s future first.”

Starr and Edwards were key members of the bi-partisan negotiating team that put together the final bill. House Bill 2001 raises $300 million to bond and invest in Oregon’s transportation infrastructure, 50% going to cities and counties and 50% for statewide investment. The bill funds 50 projects spread across the state, equaling $960 million in investment. For the first time, this transportation package includes a list of the projects in the bill that are funded so taxpayers know exactly what their tax dollars are buying. Projects in Washington County include the Highway 26/Glencoe interchange, the Highway 26 lane expansion, and the Shute Road interchange.

“This is a finely-balanced transportation package that will rebuild our long-neglected roads and highways, provide critical funding for multi-modal transportation and reduce green-house gas emissions,” said Edwards. “At the same time, it will generate an estimated 4,600 full-time jobs per year or about 40,000 jobs over the next ten years, giving our faltering economy a much-needed boost.”

The bill increases the car registration fee by $16 a year, increases the title fee by $22, increases the cost of replacement and vanity plates and increases the gas tax by six cents in January, 2011 or after two straight quarters of economic growth.

House Bill 2001 is on the way to the Governor’s desk for a signature.

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