"The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) broke ground on the first phase of the I-5 Rose Quarter project this week-an event nearly a decade in the making. But the occasion commenced without fanfare. Even after years of buildup for the project, ODOT didn't hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its official start, nor did the agency publicize the groundbreaking on social media."
"In January, when ODOT initially publicized its plans to begin construction on the Rose Quarter project, the agency announced plans for a "community groundbreaking celebration." But the tone has changed since then. Rose Quarter project spokesperson Rose Gerber told the Mercury that ODOT made the decision to hold off on a groundbreaking ceremony in light of the agency's current funding crisis, though she said the agency and its partners may "acknowledge the milestone" in a way yet to be determined."
"The groundbreaking comes amid a statewide transportation crisis, which could lead to hundreds of layoffs at ODOT, among other consequences. On Friday, August 29, state legislators will return to Salem for a special session focused on transportation funding, following their failure to pass a long-anticipated transportation package during their regular session earlier this year. Some lawmakers, wary of-or outright opposed to-the proposed tax increases included in the transportation funding bill, have raised concerns about ODOT's fiscal stewardship throughout the legislative process."
The Oregon Department of Transportation broke ground on the first phase of the I-5 Rose Quarter project after nearly a decade of planning. The agency did not hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony or publicize the groundbreaking on social media. Earlier plans for a community groundbreaking celebration were postponed because of a funding crisis, and ODOT said it may acknowledge the milestone later. The groundbreaking occurred during a statewide transportation funding crisis that could trigger hundreds of layoffs. Legislators will convene a special session on transportation funding. Lawmakers and public testimony have expressed concerns about ODOT's fiscal stewardship and its megaprojects. Supporters of funding argue a bill is necessary to maintain roads and transit.
Read at Portland Mercury
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