Trump order may kill Oregon tolls

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

The Trump administration just struck down New York’s tolling program, and could put Oregon’s in jeopardy.  Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s tolling plan, which included as many as 10 tolls, was contingent on Federal approval, and since that approval has been delayed due to public backlash.

The Trump Department of Transportation said, “New York State’s congestion pricing plan is a slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners … Commuters using the highway system to enter New York City have already financed the construction and improvement of these highways through the payment of gas taxes and other taxes. But now the toll program leaves drivers without any free highway alternative, and instead, takes more money from working people to pay for a transit system and not highways. It’s backwards and unfair. The program also hurts small businesses…”

The Department of Transportation knocks New York’s tolling scheme because it involves “congestion pricing” which means politicians are using costly tolls to force drivers out of their cars or force them to stay away at important drive times

Congestion pricing is exactly what Oregon is doing.  Here is Co-Chair of the Joint Transportation Committee, Susan McClain, explaining that Oregon tolls are designed to control people’s driving habits as opposed to tolls being used to pay for road repair.

The U.S. Department of Transportation criticized the New York toll plan for leaving people with NO WAY to enter New York City’s core.

This is similar to how tolling makes it hard to enter Portland or pass through Portland by tolling the key Interstates.

Under Kotek’s tolling plan, many Oregonians would have to pay for several tolls, just to get to work.

One poll shows Oregonians oppose tolling by 71%.

We are still researching how this recent Trump decision could impact Oregon tolling and will keep you posted here on this website.

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