City Commissioner Sam Adams proposed a gas tax last week that would cost drivers 3 cents per gallon and would cost the average household about $72 per year.
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Portland Commissioner proposes gas tax
City Commissioner Sam Adams proposed a gas tax last week that would cost drivers 3 cents per gallon and would cost the average household about $72 per year. In addition to the tax, there will be a flat monthly fee for homeowners at a rate of $4.50, according to Commissioner Adams’ Senior Policy Director Roland Chlapowski.
The monthly fee will include a 30 percent provision for low-income households, and a similar provision for green, sustainable households, Chlapowski said. Low-income housing is defined as housing for residents who earn less that 60 percent of the annual median income, or $23,750 for Portland residents.
Green residents include people who do not own a car, regularly ride a bike or regularly use public transit. If a household is applicable for one of the provisions, they would only pay $3.15 per month under the new proposal, or $2.20 if they were applicable for both, Chlapowski said.
Chlapowski said that that the proposal will be on the May 2008 ballot, though parts of it may be enacted by the Portland City Council before then. Scott Bricker, the executive chair of the Bicycle Transit Alliance, has endorsed the policy, and a recent 900-person poll conducted by Portland pollster Adam Davis showed public support for the new tax.
Commissioner Adams, who is running for mayor in the next election, has worked closely with Multnomah County Chairman Ted Wheeler on the proposal, which would be used to fix roads throughout Portland and the city’s county-maintained bridges. The proposal details $485 million in spending over 10 years, including roughly $130 million for Multnomah County to repair or possibly replace the Sellwood Bridge.
–Robert Seitzinger
Portland commercial trade to be discussed at City Club Friday
The executive director of the Port of Portland will speak at a forum hosted by Portland City Club on Oct. 26 about economic issues over the present status and future of the port in the global economy.
The forum, called “Gateway to the World”, will be presented by Executive Director Bill Wyatt, who has held his position with the Port of Portland since 2001. Wyatt will speak about the role of the Portland Metropolitan area as growth in commercial trade and airline passenger growth continues, as well as examining the economic impact of the Port of Portland on the region.
The forum will attempt to answer questions over the Port’s preparedness to deal with new developments as international trade, travel and commercial industries continue to increase in and around Portland. A discussion over what strategies the Port can use to maintain its role as the city’s avenue for global commerce will also take place.
The Port of Portland was established in 1891 by the Oregon state legislature in order to create a trade shipping channel from the city to the Pacific Ocean. Currently the Port is made up of four area airports, seven business parks and a host of marine terminals.
The forum will be held Friday at the Portland City Club in the Governor Hotel, located at 614 SW 11th Ave., at 12:15 p.m. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
–Steve Haske
Portland Commissioner proposes gas tax
City Commissioner Sam Adams proposed a gas tax last week that would cost drivers 3 cents per gallon and would cost the average household about $72 per year. In addition to the tax, there will be a flat monthly fee for homeowners at a rate of $4.50, according to Commissioner Adams’ Senior Policy Director Roland Chlapowski.
The monthly fee will include a 30 percent provision for low-income households, and a similar provision for green, sustainable households, Chlapowski said. Low-income housing is defined as housing for residents who earn less that 60 percent of the annual median income, or $23,750 for Portland residents.
Green residents include people who do not own a car, regularly ride a bike or regularly use public transit. If a household is applicable for one of the provisions, they would only pay $3.15 per month under the new proposal, or $2.20 if they were applicable for both, Chlapowski said.
Chlapowski said that that the proposal will be on the May 2008 ballot, though parts of it may be enacted by the Portland City Council before then. Scott Bricker, the executive chair of the Bicycle Transit Alliance, has endorsed the policy, and a recent 900-person poll conducted by Portland pollster Adam Davis showed public support for the new tax.
Commissioner Adams, who is running for mayor in the next election, has worked closely with Multnomah County Chairman Ted Wheeler on the proposal, which would be used to fix roads throughout Portland and the city’s county-maintained bridges. The proposal details $485 million in spending over 10 years, including roughly $130 million for Multnomah County to repair or possibly replace the Sellwood Bridge.
–Robert Seitzinger
