Public Opinion Survey Shows Support for Local Funding Options to Tackle Maintenance and Safety Backlogs on Local Streets and Willamette River Bridges
Citizen Stakeholder Committee Reviewing Options; Neighborhood Public Open Houses Scheduled for September; Board and City Council Consideration in January, 2008
Repairing streets, neighborhood and pedestrian safety improvements, signal synchronization to help with congestion, repairs to the Willamette River bridges and bike boulevards to reduce motorist/bicycle safety conflicts are at the top of Portlanders' transportation "To Do" list.
These results were revealed in a recent scientific, city-wide survey of 900 Portland voters conducted by Davis, Hibbitts & Midgall, Inc. The survey also found majority support among likely voters in the May, 2008 election for any of the following funding sources
- a 3 cent local gas tax
- a monthly residential street maintenance fee between $2.60 and $4.50
- and a $27.00 annual vehicle registration fee.
The survey also showed majority support among likely voters for a combination of these fees when each fee was at a slightly lower amount.
The survey was completed as part of an effort by Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams and the Multnomah County Board to explore local transportation funding options to address the city and county's combined $747 million transportation-related backlog in street paving, bridge maintenance and safety measures.
"There is strong support out there for a funding package that includes fixes for roads, Willamette bridges, and signal improvements. Reducing car/bike safety conflicts was also ranked very high," said pollster Adams Davis. "When asked in general terms, around 70% of people asked said they would support spending up to $6.25 a month for transportation improvements. When asked about specific funding options, at least three get a majority support and the 'greener' you make each option, the better it does."
County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey, who has long advocated for better Willamette River bridge maintenance, said, "I appreciate the public's support for fixing our local streets and Willamette River bridges."
Rojo de Steffey, Adams and the "Safe and Sound Streets" Stakeholder Committee were briefed today by Adam Davis on the survey results.
About the transportation backlog
The City is facing a transportation maintenance backlog of $422 million to:
- repave roads in poor or very poor condition;
- replace old and failing traffic signals;
- add sidewalks to arterial streets that currently lack them;
- repair city bridges in disrepair (not including those that cross the Willamette River);
- and make safety improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
The cost to repair Portland's transportation infrastructure will continue to increase by $9 million each year if nothing is done to address the issue.
Multnomah County is facing a $325 million maintenance backlog on its Willamette River bridges, including the cost to replace the aging Sellwood Bridge.
The Stakeholder Committee of over 70 community leaders from businesses; neighborhoods; bicycle, pedestrian, and transit communities; elected officials; and the traffic safety community met with Commissioner Adams to discuss Portlanders' local transportation priorities and potential funding sources.
Survey results [1]
Davis' presentation also outlined the projects with strongest public support, which include:
- adequate maintenance of bridges and overpasses (81%);
- signal timing on major city streets to reduce congestion and environmental problems (81%);
- focusing on long-delayed maintenance that will reduce the future cost of repairs (79%);
- an expansion of programs that promote travel options other than driving alone (68%);
- and the development of bike boulevards to minimize conflicts between bicyclists and motorists on some of the city's busiest streets (68%).
Residents surveyed previously showed support for a funding package that balances the burden between businesses and residential properties.
In his presentation to the citizen's committee, Adam Davis emphasized that the complexity of transportation responsibilities and funding is not understood in great detail by the public. TriMet, the City of Portland, and Multnomah County are often conflated as the general providers of transportation services, regardless of their specific duties over transportation system.
The group discussed the importance of making it clear to the public that funding sources being used for many new projects, such as the proposed eastside streetcar extension, are not available for basic paving and maintenance. "We must be clear with the public that money is not being taken out of our maintenance budget for things like streetcar and MAX," said Commissioner Adams.
The citywide survey findings mirror results of the less scientific surveys conducted at the neighborhood district Town Halls led by Commissioner Adams in June and July. "There is a growing understanding about the problem and increasing agreement that now is the time to come up with a solution," said Commissioner Adams.
Next steps
A series of Open Houses are scheduled for September, and another round of town hall meetings will be conducted in October where residents will be given another opportunity to learn more about the problems faced by Portland's transportation system and lend a voice in shaping the possible maintenance and safety projects for their neighborhoods.
The "Safe and Sound Streets" Stakeholder Committee will guide the process to address Portland's transportation problems and solutions and to formulate a funding package that will be reviewed at the October Town Halls. The funding package will be fine-tuned through a rigorous audit process.
Complete results of the survey were made available at the meeting and are available online at www.portlandonline.com/transportation [2], under the "What's New" heading on the right of the screen. To provide your input on this effort, visit the web site or call (503) 823-1394.
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