ODOT has funding for now
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon Department of Transportation says it can avoid layoffs and deep service cuts due to the legislature redirecting existing ODOT funds to support operations and maintenance. Its budget shortfall is $297 million. The legislature sent funds totaling $218 million from funds that were earmarked for other programs
ODOT says that means funding will be delayed or reduced for programs like Safe Routes to Schools (SRS) and Connect Oregon. SRS helps fund projects that improve safety for students walking and biking to school. Connect Oregon is a state grant program that invests in aviation, rail, and marine projects.
The rerouted funding will prevent layoffs and widespread service reductions. ODOT says highway maintenance crews will remain on the job, safety and storm response operations will continue, and Department of Motor Vehicles office will remain open.
ODOT has about 700 vacant positions statewide, representing nearly 15 percent of the agency’s workforce. More than 350 of those vacancies resulted from employees leaving the agency during the financial crisis since July 2025. ODOT expects to begin hiring for critical vacancies (an estimated 350 of them) immediately.
ODOT officials stress that it is a temporary fix. Lawmakers have stated they plan to revisit transportation funding during the 2027 legislative session.
