PDOT Capital Program Review and Productivity AnalysisBy Sam Adams
One year ago gas prices were $2.79 a gallon. $3.60 per gallon: That was the price of gas on May 8, 2008; the day I called for a review of budgets for selected proposed city transportation projects in the pipeline. Higher fuel costs drive up the cost of construction materials that drive up project costs. Now, gas prices are well over $4.00 a gallon. The 150% increase in gas prices over the last 12 months has Portlanders and their families feeling pinched. As drivers cut back on driving and buying fuel it means less revenue for the Portland Office of Transportation, also known as "PDOT." PDOT's is looking at making reductions of $ 4 Million in services over the next 5 years, based on current revenue forecast. The higher cost PDOT must pay for construction supplies combined with lower gas tax proceeds is a double budget whammy. We are currently looking at cost reduction options for transportation projects that are experiencing significant increases and will continue to seek opportunities for outside funding to bring projects back into balance. Attached are the results of our review of budgets for proposed city transportation projects in the pipeline.
Relevant Documents
 Related Blogs Posted Tue, 07/22/2008 - 3:50pm.
Freight is a winner too whenSubmitted by ÙØ³Ø§ØªÙŠÙ† on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 9:07pm.
Freight is a winner too when fewer people commute in single occupancy vehicles in the peak hours. PDOT's Freight Committee should shift its focus to increasing these trends behind the motto: 2 SOVs removed = 1 Semi on our key arterials and freeways. » reply
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Congrats PDOT on achieving
Congrats PDOT on achieving some of your key goals...reduced motor vehicle trips, etc. Maybe some of the capital projects designed to move more of same can be put off or dumped all together. Shift more resources into the Options Division...strike while the iron is hot, and of course BOM, though potholes can work as random speedbumps and make residential streets safer. Capital projects should focus on low cost efforts...bike facilities, trails and access to transit...that continue this wonderful trend of fewer motor vehicle miles and less dependence on foregn oil.
Freight is a winner too when fewer people commute in single occupancy vehicles in the peak hours. PDOT's Freight Committee should shift its focus to increasing these trends behind the motto: 2 SOVs removed = 1 Semi on our key arterials and freeways.