Oregon Public Broadcasting

Beginning in 2011, Oregon drivers could pay 6 cents more for a gallon of gas. A bill approved today Friday by the Oregon state Senate would also raise vehicle fees.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski plans to sign the massive transportation bill, now that lawmakers have given the final nod.

The bill identifies specific road improvement projects and would set up a web site to track their progress.

Speaking on the floor of the state Senate, Democrat Rick Metsger said the list is aimed at gaining credibility with Oregon taxpayers.

Rick Metsger: “In a poll that we took recently with stakeholders about how Oregon felt, only eight per cent of Oregonians said we would spend the money the way we said we would. By telling placing this in law, the expectation and the confidence rises significantly.”

Metsger said Oregon is not keeping up with Washington and Idaho in road improvements. The bill passed the Oregon state Senate 24 to 6.

Republicans questioned whether the transportation bill would generate as many jobs as supporters expect.

The gas tax hike would not kick in for two years or until the state has two consecutive quarters of economic growth, whichever comes first.