Portland, Oregon voters approve 4-year gas tax to improve roads, improve pedestrian safety

[HuckleB]

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/portland_gas_tax_road_repairs.html#incart_maj-story-1

"Portland voters narrowly approved a temporary 10-cent-a-gallon tax on gasoline within city limits, creating the highest local gas tax in the state.

The measure, which sunsets after four years, passed 51.6 percent to 48.4 percent, according to partial returns Tuesday. Proponents, who built a broad coalition of supporters and endorsements, maintained a lead seen in polling early in the campaign.

The tax is expected to bring in $64 million before it expires in late 2020. Of that, the city has said it plans to use 56 percent for road repairs and 44 percent for pedestrians and bicyclist safety improvements, particularly near schools.

Portland Transportation Commissioner Steve Novick, who's running for re-election to his council seat on the same ballot, sponsored the proposal.

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