OTC will hear public comments Thursday on congestion pricing

July 9, 2018

For more information, contact Don Hamilton, 503-704-7452

PORTLAND -- The Oregon Transportation Commission will hold a special listening session on Thursday, July 12 to hear public comments on congestion pricing recommendations.

The recommendations were submitted to the OTC July 5 by the Portland Metro Area Value Pricing Policy Advisory Committee, carrying out a directive from the 2017 Oregon Legislature to develop plans for congestion pricing in the Portland area.

The listening session will help the OTC prepare a proposal, which will be sent to the Federal Highway Administration by the end of 2018.

Here are details of the session.

• What: The Oregon Transportation Commissions invites the public to comment on congestion pricing recommendations.
• When: 4 p.m. Thursday, July 12. Signup to speak will be 3 to 7 p.m. Each person will have up to three minutes to speak to the commission. Written statements are also welcome.
• Where: Columbia Falls Ballroom, University Place Hotel and Conference Center, 310 S.W. Lincoln St., Portland, OR 97201.
• Agenda: The meeting will begin with a presentation on the recommendation followed by public comment. Elected officials and any members of the policy advisory committee in attendance will speak before members of the public. The public will speak on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Why: Public comments are a critical part of the process for the OTC in preparing its proposal.
• Watch it Live: The meeting can be viewed live at https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Get-Involved/Pages/July12Session.aspx.
• Comment online: You can also comment on the recommendation through the value pricing web site, ODOTValuepricing.org.

Comments provided at the session and written comments received through July 20th will be part of the OTC record prior to its August meeting when it provides direction to ODOT about moving forward. Comments received through July 20 will be provided to the OTC prior to its August meeting when it will provide direction to ODOT. The OTC will also provide an opportunity for public comment at its August meeting and on the final proposal it takes up in November.

The meeting can be viewed live at https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Get-Involved/Pages/July12Session.aspx.

In 2017, the Oregon Legislature approved HB 2017, Keep Oregon Moving, which directed the OTC to pursue congestion pricing on the I-5 and I-205 corridors, or segments of them, from the Columbia River to where the two highways meet near Tualatin. The 25-member policy advisory committee met six times, November to June, in preparing its recommendations for the OTC.

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