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Governor, Legislature, Announce Road User Task Force Members
Salem — Governor John Kitzhaber, House Speaker Mark Simmons, and Senate President Gene Derfler today announced the appointments of twelve members of the Road User Fee Task Force established by HB 3946 to study alternatives to Oregon’s current system of taxing highway use through motor fuels taxes such as the gas tax.
"The future of Oregon’s transportation system is at stake, and I have great concern about the long-term viability of the existing fuels tax system," said Governor Kitzhaber. "We need to identify alternatives to secure a sound way of paying for roads and highways. A number of new developments are eroding the viability of fuels taxes, including growing disparities in fuel economy among vehicles on the road, hybrid vehicles with very high fuel economy, battery-powered cars that don’t pay directly for use of the roads, and tax exemptions to encourage the purchase of alternative fuels."
"Taken together, these factors are gaining momentum, and we anticipate that fuel tax revenue will stagnate or decline despite increasing numbers of vehicles on the road," Kitzhaber said. "That could put our transportation system at risk, and we need to act now to identify feasible alternatives."
The legislature has spent some time pursuing funding alternatives, according to House Speaker Mark Simmons (R-Elgin). "There have been a number of options under discussion for some time," Speaker Simmons said. "The job of this task force is to identify the various methods, explore their feasibility, and report back to the Legislature about our options."
"One of the most important features of this task force is its inclusion of non-governmental members," said Senator Derfler. "The infusion of new ideas from fresh perspectives of those directly affected is important to help the Legislature plan for the future of Oregon’s transportation system."
The appointments are as follows:
Speaker Simmons has appointed Reps. Bruce Starr (R-Aloha) and Joanne Verger (D-Coos Bay). Rep. Cliff Zauner (R-Woodburn) has been named as an alternate.
Senate President Derfler has appointed Senators Gary George (R-Newberg) and Susan Castillo (D-Eugene).
The Governor, Speaker, and Senate President have jointly appointed Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey; Gilliam County Commissioner Laura Pryor; John Watt of the Highway Users Alliance; Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America President of Oregon and Southwest Washington; Dr. Chris Bell, Associate Dean of the Engineering School at Oregon State University; and John Charles of the Cascade Policy Institute.
Oregon Transportation Commission Chair Steve Corey has appointed Commissioners John Russell and Randy Papé.
ODOT staff for the HB 3946 Task Force will be Jim Whitty (503) 986-3177.
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