Oregon Department of Transportation analysis finds many drivers already avoid Interstate 205 during rush hour.
The slog on Interstate 205 already increases cut-through traffic on local roads by as much as 20% to 30% a day but tolls could prevent driver diversion by changing travel habits and offering a smoother commute for those who remain.
So says the Oregon Department of Transportation, in a new report released by the state agency as it makes the case for electronic tolling on the Abernethy Bridge and elsewhere.
Fears of toll-dodging drivers following their dashboard navigators onto cramped back roads have been voice by many, but ODOT argues the problem is already here, with the report finding consistent evidence of rerouting off of I-205 and onto local streets during peak periods across a range of origin/destination travel patterns.
Gun storage requirement heads for vote in Oregon House
Bill emerges on a party-line vote from the Health Care Committee; violations would carry fines.
Another gun regulation bill is headed for a legislative debate and vote, this time in the Oregon House.
House Bill 2510, approved Tuesday, March 30, by the House Health Care Committee, would require the storage of firearms with trigger or cable locks, in a locked container or in a gun room. An offense is a Class C violation, which carries a maximum fine of $500, unless someone under age 18 obtains access, in which case it is a Class A violation with a maximum fine of $2,000. No jail time is imposed for violations.
Clackamas Community College programs safe for now
Thanks to unexpected funding and savings, no layoffs or program reductions or eliminations this year
Clackamas Community College was looking to cut or reduce programs to save $1.3 million in the next fiscal year, but thanks to unexpected funding and savings, all programs are safe for now. I m writing to you with good news, CCC President Tim Cook said in an all-staff email Wednesday, March 31. Thanks to federal stimulus funding, recent news about anticipated state funding, current year operational savings and the judicious work of everyone at CCC, we expect to close our budget gap for the next biennium without any significant budget cuts.
March 15 2021
A limit on the number of contacts students can have has been eliminated but distancing requirements stand.
New state rules issued Monday, March 15, relax a big stumbling block for schools reopening to students for in-person learning, now allowing kids to come in contact with more than 100 people per week in school.
However, the Oregon Department of Education did not change the distancing requirements that severely limit the number of pupils that can be in a classroom at one time, as part of the new rules announced Monday.
Although some studies have indicated 3 feet of distancing is enough for school settings, Oregon s 6-feet rule remains unchanged. Schools must establish a minimum of 35 square feet per person when determining room capacity which is equal to 6 feet of distancing.
Case and hospitalization are also down while vaccinations continue to increase.
The Oregon Health Authority reported declining COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations on the one-year anniversary of the first death from the virus in the state.
The health authority reported 234 new cases on Sunday, March 14, bringing the state s total to 159,617. That compares to 365 new cases reported on Saturday.
No new deaths associated with the virus were reported on Sunday, leaving the death toll unchanged at 2,322. That compares to three the day before. We would like to remember the 2,322 Oregonians who lost their lives and acknowledge the immense grief felt by their families, friends, coworkers and neighbors, the health authority said in a release. Our thoughts go out to everyone who has experienced a loss to COVID-19.