Tolling is a vital funding element for Legislature-directed priority projects in the Portland metro region. Toll revenue from the I-205 Toll Project is needed to complete construction of the I-205 Improvements Project, including seismic improvements and the extension of a third lane in each direction. Other projects that may be funded partially by toll revenue include:
- I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, including highway and other improvements for walking and biking.
- I-5 Boone Bridge Seismic Improvement Project.
- Implementation of the Toll Program, which includes the costs of project-identified mitigation.
- Other operational improvements on I-5 or I-205 or adjacent facilities along the corridor.
The Oregon Constitution (Article IX, Section 3a) specifies that revenues collected from the use or operation of motor vehicles is spent on roadway projects, which could include construction or reconstruction of travel lanes, as well as bicycle and pedestrian facilities or transit improvements in or along the roadway. In addition, the cost of projects or services needed to address negative effects of tolling could be paid using toll revenue. For example, if a local roadway was made less safe by drivers rerouting to avoid a toll, it could be upgraded with improved sidewalks, bike facilities and traffic calming measures to discourage rerouting and preserve neighborhood livability.