Portland's 10-Cent Gas Tax Gets to Work

“Officials broke ground Monday on the first street-repair project funded by a new gas tax, even though the city won't begin collecting the tax until January,” reports Elliot Njus.

The first project: an excavation of a failed section of street at the intersection of Southeast 104^th Avenue and Bush Street. The project was made possible by a 10-cent-a-gallon tax approved by voters in May. Over the next four years, the tax is expected to raise $64 million.

“Just over half the proceeds, $35.8 million, is set to be used for street paving and repair projects, while $28 million is earmarked for bicycle and pedestrian safety projects, including sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle routes,” adds Njus.