Oregon Blue Book: Department of Transportation

Department of Transportation: Agency History

Written 1996

Significant Historical Developments
The following descriptions document important functional and organizational changes related to the role of state government in developing and regulating transportation since 1900.

Highway Construction and Maintenance
Prior to the 1993 reorganization of ODOT, many of the functions currently under the Technical Services Branch were discharged by the Oregon State Highway Department and later the Highway Division.

The Oregon State Highway Commission and the Oregon State Highway Department were created in 1913 by an act of the Legislative Assembly. The first commission consisted of Governor Oswald West, chairman; Secretary of State Ben Olcott; and State Treasurer Thomas Kay. Four years later, the makeup of the commission changed when the elected officials were replaced with voluntary and appointed citizens. The next major change for the commission occurred in 1973 when the Legislative Assembly changed the name to the Oregon Transportation Commission to reflect additional responsibilities that had accumulated over the decades. At the same time the number of members was increased from three to five.

In 1913 the commission appointed a state highway engineer who was assigned to complete the mapping of the state's main roads. Those roads were designated "the state highway system" and were to be maintained and improved by the state. At the time, only 25 miles were paved out of the 37,600 which were reviewed by the state highway engineer. More than 2,800 miles of public roads composed the original Oregon highway system, adopted in 1914. That compares to the more than 7,500 miles in the system today.

Counties had primary responsibility for state highways and funds for highway improvements were provided by taxes and bond issues. A one-quarter mill tax levy on assessable property in each county provided some $250,000 to the original highway fund. But by 1917, highway work had grown to be more than the counties could handle. Therefore, the Legislative Assembly authorized a $6 million highway construction bond issue and charged the Highway Commission with "getting Oregon out of the mud." The 1917 act that further refined the duties and makeup of the commission also dedicated motor vehicle license fee revenues to road construction and maintenance.

In the primary election on May 20, 1980, a constitutional amendment was adopted limiting the uses for proceeds from state gas and weight-mile taxes, and driver and vehicle registration fees to the construction, maintenance, and operation of public highways. This virtually eliminated Highway Fund support of police, parks, or other recreational uses.

The creation of the Department of Transportation in 1969 changed the Highway Department to the Highway Division. In 1986 the division was made up of three branches: Operations, Technical Services, and Administration. The Operations Branch consisted of the Construction and Maintenance sections, and the field forces under five region engineers. The branch also handled material testing, and truck permit issuance, and administered the weighmaster program. The Technical Services Branch provided technical support to the division. Services included highway and bridge design, property acquisition and management, environmental evaluation, and traffic studies. The Administrative Branch scheduled projects and financing and did the division's planning, research, and accounting.

The division was divided into five geographical regions, each headed by a region engineer who was in charge of highway work in that area. Within each region were several district maintenance offices headed by a district maintenance supervisor. There were 16 such districts, three of them serving the Portland metropolitan area.

Motor Vehicles
Prior to reorganization in 1993 the functions of the Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Branch had been carried out by several different state government agencies. Regulation of drivers and vehicles by the state began in 1905 when 218 vehicles were registered by the secretary of state. By 1925 that number had grown to 219,000 and now stands at 3.1 million.

Methods for calculating fees have changed over the years, but the biennial passenger vehicle registration fee has increased little from the $20 that was charged in 1950. A driver license was issued for 25 cents in 1920, with a minimum of five day's experience required. Testing of drivers began in 1931 and by 1957 there were 33 field offices throughout the state. The public utilities commissioner maintained personnel at a number of those offices which permitted transactions involving certain classes of commercial vehicles. An additional 35 communities were served by "temporary issuing agencies" of the department, at which vehicle registration applications were made. Driver license applications were received and exams administered in seven cities throughout the year while 70 other locations were served regularly at specified times in accordance with a published schedule.

The Oregon secretary of state held a central role in the regulation of motor vehicles for the entire 50 year period from the first state vehicle registrations in 1905 until the creation of the Department of Motor Vehicles in 1956. The office was involved in motor vehicle registration, operators' licensing, fuel tax collection, enforcement of financial responsibility laws, and traffic safety programs. The functions of the secretary of state included registering chauffeurs; issuing certificates of title; providing license plates; maintaining registered vehicle identification systems; examining and licensing operators and chauffeurs; and revoking and suspending licenses. Related duties included assisting schools with highway safety promotion; licensing dealers and auto wrecking firms; administration of the fuel tax and the Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act; and membership on the Speed Control Board. In 1956 the Department of Motor Vehicles assumed and expanded the responsibilities previously exercised by the secretary of state (OL 1955 c. 287).

When the Legislative Assembly created the Department of Transportation in 1969, the Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) was included as one of the operating divisions. MVD began issuing photo licenses in 1976. The 1977 Legislative Assembly established two significant new programs within the division: a dealer inspection and investigation activity and a mandatory auto liability insurance law.

Before the 1993 ODOT reorganization, the Motor Vehicles Division was organized into six branches responsible to the Office of the Administrator. They were Administrative Services, Driver Services, Field Services, Fuel Tax, Hearings, and Vehicle Services.

The Administrative Services Branch was responsible for budget and management (fiscal and work management analysis), business services (building maintenance, forms and records, mail center, and microfilm), community service employment program, a finance section (accounts payable and receivable, payroll and revenue), and personnel.

The Driver Services Branch had the following sections: Driver Licensing, Driver Records, Accident Unit, Files and Correspondence, Suspension Unit/Data Entry, Driver Safety, and Program Support. Programs within this branch included ATV operator licensing, insurance verification program, court dockets/judgments, financial responsibility certification, driver improvement courses, medical certification program, habitual offender program, and implied consent.

The Field Services Branch was made up of the Field Training Unit and five Field Region Supervisors. Duties included coordination of data processing, network management, field training of staff, and region-level supervision.

The Fuels Tax Branch administered the motor vehicle and aircraft fuel tax and the use fuel excise tax laws. Among its duties were audit, collection, and refund claim functions.

The Hearings Branch conducted hearings related to implied consent (driving under the influence) violations, uninsured accidents, and other vehicle title or licensure-related cases. Operating under the Administrative Procedures Act, this ODOT branch provided motorists with due process and governmental review of all agency actions.

The Vehicle Services Branch was made up of the Business Regulations Section, Customer Information Center, Operations Section, Title and Registration Program Section, and Vehicle Program Support Section. Programs included seat belt exemptions/equipment safety, exempt mobile homes, farm and fleet registration, special and custom plates, business regulation investigation, dealer licenses, and training.

Parks and Recreation
The development and management of parks and recreation facilities in Oregon were long associated with the State Highway Commission and its related agencies. In 1925 the Legislative Assembly authorized the commission to purchase land beyond 300 feet of the roadway for "parks, parking places, camp sites, public squares and recreation grounds." (OL 1925, c. 201) Four years later Governor I. L. Patterson formed a State Park Commission. While the commission was only active for a short time, it did succeed in expanding the rudimentary system of parks and installing a superintendent of parks.

The early 1930s saw rapid development of parks in Oregon. Participants in Depression era work relief programs such as the federal Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made improvements on up to 45 state parks. By the end of the 1930s, the state park system had grown to include dozens of parks, 32,000 acres, and 2 million visitors.

In the 1950s the Parks Department of the Highway Commission was commonly referred to as the Parks Division. By the end of the decade the Legislative Assembly broadened its scope by renaming it the Parks and Recreation Division (OL 1959, c. 611). This reflected the division's secondary activity of promoting recreational facilities and programs established and maintained by local governments. The legislation also created the position of state recreation director who reported to the state parks superintendent.

When the Department of Transportation was created in 1969, the name changed to the Parks and Recreation Section of the Highway Division. Ten years later it was removed from the Highway Division and elevated to the Parks and Recreation Division of ODOT (OL 1979, c. 186). Finally, in 1990 the duties, functions, and powers of ODOT related to parks and recreation were assumed by the newly created Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OL 1989, c. 904).

By this time, in addition to operating state parks, the division gave technical assistance to local government agencies on park matters, developed and maintained the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, and administered the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund matching grant program in Oregon. The division also administered several special programs, including the Oregon Beach Law, State Historic Preservation Program, Oregon Recreational Trails System, State Scenic Waterways, and Willamette Greenway.

Public Transit
The Public Transit Division was created by the 1969 Oregon Legislative Assembly. It was called the Mass Transit Division until 1977, when its name was changed to better reflect its operations. The division served as the statewide coordinating, planning, financing and development agency for public transportation systems in Oregon. The division's work includes administering state and federal grants for assistance to large city transit systems; providing funds from the federal assistance program for both operating and capital assistance to small city and rural transit systems; and administering federal grants for capital assistance to elderly and handicapped nonprofit agencies. There were 11 employees in the Public Transit Division.

In 1977 a statutory committee called the Willamette Valley Rail Study Committee was formed. The Public Transit Division provided support staff to the committee. It was to investigate the feasibility of a rail passenger program in the Willamette Valley. The data collected showed that to achieve the same fuel efficiency as the automobile, the train must eventually carry 515 passengers per day. The committee was sunsetted in 1981.

Support Services
The Central Services Division was formally established by administrative action in 1985 to better coordinate support services to the operating divisions. In general, the functions had existed since the department was established in 1969, and had collectively been referred to as "Central Services" but they were without any formal organizational standing as a unit.

The division's functions included: Administrative Services, Civil Rights, Personnel, Employee Development and Safety, Information Systems, Labor Relations, Intergovernmental and Public Affairs, and Financial Services. The Deputy Director was the second-ranking administrative officer in the department, and served as head of the Central Services Division. Central Services also managed the local rail service assistance program. This program provided grants and technical assistance to local governments and private companies that own rail branch lines. Prior to the 1993 reorganization there were 210 employees in the division.

The Financial Services Section provided financial consulting and customer service to ODOT's employees, as well as managing and maintaining a statewide budget. The section also handled ODOT's payroll and had integrated with the Office of Audit and Review Services in order to handle all financial aspects within ODOT. Financial systems services, planning and budgeting and fiscal analysis were also functions of the Financial Services Section.

The assistant director for intergovernmental and public affairs was responsible for departmental communications, both internally and with the public. The position also served as liaison with the Legislative Assembly. In addition to public affairs activities, the office supervised the graphics unit, the photo lab, commission services, and the ODOT library.

The position of assistant director for personnel services was established in 1985, as part of a reorganization that created then Central Services Division. In addition to personnel functions, the section was responsible for training and safety.

The Central Services Division also handled all aspects of fleet management to better serve the entire department. The division provided services ranging from facility and property management to fleet repair for all ODOT branches. It also handled fleet operations, warehousing/storeroom, purchasing, and business services.

Tourism
The desire to more effectively promote tourism in Oregon resulted in the creation of the Travel Information Bureau under the State Highway Commission in 1935. The Legislative Assembly authorized the commission to compile, publish, and disseminate information including historical facts, data, and maps about parks, recreation areas, and other public places in the state (OL 1935, c.195). Policy guidance was provided to the commission by the Travel Advisory Committee. The State Highway Fund paid for the costs associated with the program.

By the 1950s the bureau was commonly known as the Travel Information Division of the State Highway Department. It carried out an aggressive advertising campaign that included newspapers, magazines, mail, travel trade shows, and scenic movies. The division also helped to develop state information centers at major points of entry to disseminate information and promote tourism. The 1969 creation of the Department of Transportation changed the Travel Information Division to a section under the Highway Division.

Goals set by the Travel Advisory Committee in the late 1960s included attracting visitors who would most likely use the state commercial facilities; encouraging visitors to stay longer; stimulating fall, winter, and spring travel; attracting visitors to Oregon's less traveled regions; and encouraging Oregonians to vacation in Oregon. Later emphasis was placed on publicizing year-round resort accommodations as well as vacation activities not directly related to scenery.

In 1983 the state's tourism promotion program was formally merged with other economic development efforts in the creation of the Tourism Division of the Oregon Economic Development Department. By then tourism was the third largest industry in the state. It drew nearly 12 million visitors and contributed $ 1.3 billion to the economy.

Chronology of Events

1900-1925
1905 First vehicle registration law is enacted by the Legislative Assembly. A one-time fee of $3 was charged, the certificate was issued by the secretary of state, and the revenue collected was placed in the General Fund and dedicated to road building.

1911 Annual vehicle license renewal begins. Chauffeur registration law becomes effective.

1912 Applications for license plates were required to be notarized until 1915.

1913 State Highway Department is created by the Legislative Assembly. Oregon Highway Commission is created and is composed of the governor, secretary of state, and treasurer.

1914 First State Highway Plan is approved by the state highway commission.

1917 The Legislative Assembly shifts road building from counties to the state. It redesigns the makeup of the commission; replacing public officials with voluntary and appointed citizens.

1919 Oregon enacts the nation's first gasoline tax. A materials lab for testing pavement samples is established in Salem.

1921 The Legislative Assembly authorizes the Highway Commission to acquire sites for development of a state park system. State Highway Department takes over maintenance on all newly completed sections of highways from counties.

1922 Highway Department establishes a Maintenance Division.

1925 A vehicle titling law is enacted. The Legislative Assembly approves a bill that allows state to purchase park sites beyond 300 feet of the roadway (the genesis of the State Parks system). The State Highway Commission is authorized to establish and maintain ferries.

1926-1950
1926 Registration records are housed in the Rogers Building on High and Ferry Street in Salem.

1928 Registration records are kept in the old Department of Agriculture Building, Salem.

1930 Registration records are housed in the State Office Building in Salem.

1931 The State Tunnel Commission is created which authorizes construction of tunnels connecting highways.

1932 The Right of Way Section is created within the Highway Department.

1934 The Highway Department's Landscaping Unit is established.

1935 The Travel Information Bureau is established within the Highway Department. The Highway Commission authorizes installation of a radio communication system for joint use with the State Police.

1938 Registration records are housed in new State Capitol Building.

1939 The Oregon Highway Code is enacted by the Legislative Assembly. It provides for an assistant highway engineer; chief counsel authority over the Right of Way Unit; additional powers in acquiring real property; and authority to designate, construct and maintain state highway routes through cities.

1941 Weighmaster section is formed in the Highway Department. Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is created (providing a percentage of license fees for hospitalization of indigent accident victims). There are 2300 employees in the Highway Department.

1942 The Oregon Constitution is amended to establish the Highway Trust Fund and dedicated road user fees to Highway Department activities.

1943 There are 1600 Highway Department employees (a reduction of 26% from 1941).

1946 New license plates are issued for the first time since 1941.

1947 Construction of the Highway Building is authorized by the Legislative Assembly.

1951-1975
1951 Employees move into new Highway Building.

1953 Legislative interim committee starts to study the transfer of the Motor Vehicle Department to the jurisdiction of the governor (from the secretary of state), with the results to be reported to the 1955 Legislative Assembly. A billboard control law is enacted with Bureau of Labor handling administrative duties (see 1963).

1956 The Department of Motor Vehicles is established as a separate branch of government. Primary duties included motor vehicle registration, driver licensing, and collection of gas taxes. The department is housed in the Capitol Building, Public Service Building, and the State Office Building.

1957 Student Driver Education Fund is established.

1959 Oregon Tunnel Commission is abolished. The Department of Motor Vehicles headquarters moves from Capitol Mall area to Lana Avenue in Northeast Salem. Responsibility for inspection of school buses is transferred to State Department of Education.

1961 First bill establishing the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is introduced in the Legislative Assembly but fails to gain enough support.

1963 Administration of billboard control is transferred from Bureau of Labor to the State Highway Commission.

1965 Motorcycle endorsement program is initiated. Implied consent law is passed by the Legislative Assembly.

1967 Driver's license records are converted from manual to computer files. The Oregon "Beach Bill" passes the Legislative Assembly, making most of Oregon's Pacific Ocean beach a public trust. Enforcement power is given to the State Highway Commission.

1968 The Traffic Safety Division of the Department of Motor Vehicles is abolished and staff is transferred to the Governor's Traffic Safety Commission. A Public Information Office is created under the Department of Motor Vehicles.

1969 The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is created. The Department of Motor Vehicles, State Highway Department, Parks (part of Highway), State Board of Aeronautics, State Ports Commission and the newly created Mass Transit becomes part of ODOT. Administrators is to be appointed by the director of ODOT, who is charged with planning and research, but has no direct control of the agencies or their personnel.

1971 The Environmental Unit is formed within the Highway Division to prepare environmental impact statements for projects using federal funds.

1973 Driver improvement program is formally established by statute. The State Highway Commission becomes the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC), increasing the number of members from three to five, with the Highway Commission chairman becoming the OTC chairman. The Director of ODOT assumes direct control over ODOT divisions and their personnel.

1975 The Ports Division is transferred from ODOT to the Department of Economic Development.

1976-present
1976 The first issue of the ODOT newsletter "VIA" is published. ODOT, in cooperation with the State Police, establishes recorded phone messages concerning current road conditions.

1977 The Motor Vehicles Division (MVD) forms the Dealer Investigation Unit. Flex hours start for ODOT employees.

1979 Dealer Advisory Committee and grounds for dealer suspension are established by law. State Parks is removed from the Highway Division and becomes a division of ODOT.

1980 State Parks and State Police expenditures are removed from the Highway Fund, narrowing the uses to which road user revenues may be spent. Underwater bridge inspection team is formed within the Highway Division.

1981 MVD's computer operation moves to the Department of Revenue building on the Capitol Mall. MVD becomes remote user for first time since its conversion to electronic data processing (see 1967). Motorcycle safety education program is established.

1982 MVD selects the Paradyne company as vendor for their computer system. Rideshare program starts out as a one-year pilot project.

1984 The "Home Purchase Plan" is established as a two-year pilot project to encourage transfers of management or executive service employees.

1985 Motor vehicle laws are recodified and the first Oregon Vehicle Code is created. Motor Vehicle Accident Fund is transferred to the Department of Human Resources. MVD implements DAVE (DMV's Automated Voice Exchange) that allows certain account users to obtain information about vehicle and driver records by telephone without contacting a MVD employee. The Safety and Health Section begins a pilot employee wellness project.

1986 MVD field office computer system is fully operational.

1987 MVD publishes Oregon's first comprehensive Truck/Bus drivers manual. The Legislative Assembly passes a law requiring a contest for the design of a new graphic license plate.

1990 The duties, functions, and powers of ODOT related to parks and recreation are assumed by the newly created Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OL 1989, c. 904).

1991 The photo driver license law is amended to allow MVD to take and file negatives of driver licenses for use by police agencies.

1992 The Oregon Transportation Commission approves restructuring of six divisions into a single agency. The Oregon Traffic Safety Commission becomes part of ODOT. DMV headquarters expansion and remodeling starts. The last issues of the ODOT newsletter (VIA) and DMV newsletter "Behind the Wheel" are published.

1993 The Legislative Assembly approves the restructuring of ODOT (OL 1993, c. 741). The first issue of the combined publication " Transcript" is produced and distributed to ODOT employees.

1995 The duties, functions, and powers of the Public Utilities Commission related to motor carriers and railroads are transferred to ODOT (OL 1995, c. 733).

Current Organization and Functions

Oregon Department of Transportation (Generally)
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) was established in 1969 (ORS 184.615) and reorganized in 1973 (OL 1973 c. 249). The intent of the Legislative Assembly in creating ODOT was to "bring together programs that meet the objectives of contributing to the growth and economy of the state by providing for the movement of persons and goods rapidly, safely, and economically; by protecting people and property through effective administration of driver, motor vehicle, and aviation laws; and by meeting recreational needs of Oregonians and touring visitors by providing recreational facilities." A 1993 reorganization reduced layers of management and allowed the director to organize or reorganize the department according to needs (OL 1993 c. 741).

ODOT develops and administers the state system of highways, roads, and bridges; public transportation services; rail passenger and freight systems; bicycle and pedestrian paths and routes; ports and marine transportation; pipelines; transportation safety programs; driver and vehicle licensing; and motor carrier enforcement. About 4400 employees work at ODOT offices, weigh stations, and maintenance stations statewide.

The following descriptions document the functions and organization of the branches, boards, commissions, and committees that fall under the organizational umbrella of the Oregon Department of Transportation. Currently, the department includes the following branches: Technical Services; Driver and Motor Vehicle Services; Transportation Development; Motor Carrier Transportation; Communications; and Finance and Administration. An organization chart and detailed information about ODOT functions and activities is available on the Internet at the following Web address: http://www.odot.state.or.us/index.htm

Oregon Transportation Commission
The Oregon Transportation Commission, established in 1973, is the policy-setting body of ODOT. As established by Oregon law, "the Commission shall develop and maintain a state transportation policy and a comprehensive, long-range plan for a multimodal transportation system for the state which encompasses economic efficiency, orderly economic development, safety and environmental quality. The plan shall include, but not be limited to aviation, highways, mass transit, pipelines, ports, rails, and waterways." The commission replaced the Oregon State Highway Commission which was created in 1913.

The governor appoints the five commissioners from different geographic regions of the state. One member must live east of the Cascade Range and no more than three members can belong to one political party. The commission appoints the director of ODOT, subject to the approval of the Oregon Senate.

Technical Services Branch
The Technical Services Branch designs and oversees construction of Oregon's 7,450 miles of state highways. Major activities include: identifying highway needs; maintaining state highway routes; acquiring rights of way; designing highways, bridges, and related structures; awarding highway construction and modernization contracts; supervising contractors; obtaining federal highway funds; helping counties and cities improve roads and streets; testing materials; evaluating environmental impacts of proposed projects; and conducting traffic studies and other research projects. Major responsibilities of the Technical Services Branch include: Bridge, Engineering Services, Roadway Engineering, Environmental Services, Operations Support, Program Services, Right of Way, and Traffic Engineering.

Oregon's 1991-1993 highway construction budget was $700 million, composed equally of state and federal funds. The Technical Services Branch makes extensive use of the State Highway Fund collected from vehicle fuel taxes, commercial carrier weight-mile taxes, and vehicle registrations. The Oregon Constitution limits the use of revenue from this fund to the construction and maintenance of public highways, roads, streets, and roadside rest areas. ODOT uses about 60% of the fund with the remainder distributed to counties and cities.

Five Region Offices coordinate and directly supervise field activities of highway construction and maintenance. They also coordinate and supervise traffic engineering, bridge inspection, safety, and federal-aid administration within their area. Major areas of responsibility within each region include management, bridge inspection, construction engineering, environmental planning, federal aid management, geology, materials management, planning, safety, traffic investigation, traffic operations, and training. The region offices are headquartered in Milwaukee, East Salem, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande.

Sixteen district offices are located throughout the state and are under the jurisdiction of the five region offices. They are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of state highways, structures, and rest areas. Included are minor betterment projects, landscaping, slide correction, and related maintenance work.

Driver and Motor Vehicle (DMV) Services Branch
The goals of this branch are to improve highway safety, protect consumers, and collect money for highway improvements and other dedicated uses. DMV has the responsibility to:

Register and title vehicles to protect ownership rights and identify vehicles for highway use; register and issue permanent identification numbers to mobile homes; and issue disabled parking permits.
License drivers and administer driver control programs to improve highway safety and reduce traffic accidents; conduct driver improvement programs and reexaminations; and conduct implied consent and administrative rule hearings.
Collect state gas and fuel taxes, which are the main sources of state funds for state, county, and city highway maintenance and construction; and license motor vehicles fuel dealers, aircraft fuel retailers, and users and sellers of other fuels such as propane and diesel.
Administer mandatory and financial responsibility laws to reduce public loss from uninsured accidents.
License and inspect vehicle dealers, wreckers, and tow vehicle operators; license commercial driving schools, instructors and snowmobile dealers and certify snowmobile instructors; and approve motor vehicles safety equipment.
Maintain driver and vehicle records for use by DMV, law enforcement, courts, and others; maintain records of convictions, accidents, suspensions, and revocations; and compile accident and conviction statistics.

The agency provides a wide range of services related to highway safety. DMV also verifies drivers' insurance and driving records. Each day it records about 1,900 driving convictions and issues about 1,500 driving suspensions. Moreover, the DMV computer records are used by police agencies about 30,000 times daily and by insurance companies, banks, lawyers and others more than 11,000 times daily.

DMV is one of the largest revenue collecting agencies in the state. More than $217 million was collected in the 1993-1995 biennium through state fuel taxes, vehicle registrations, and driver license fees. The resulting revenues are dedicated to highway improvements and safety programs.

Major sections of the branch include: Document Processing Services, Field Services, Information Services, License Control Services, and Program Administration.

Transportation Development Branch
The Transportation Development Branch is ODOT's strategic planning and policy group. It guides overall statewide transportation development through the long-range Oregon Transportation Plan; individual modal plans; corridor plans; and transportation policy analysis and research. Major sections of the branch include Policy/Auto-Truck, Planning, Public Transit, Transportation Data, and Transportation Safety.

The Public Transit Section helps develop the use of transit, ridesharing, walking, bicycling, telecommuting, and other alternatives to driving alone. The section's responsibilities include coordinating, planning, researching, and funding public passenger transportation systems statewide. It also supports local programs and provides facilities to encourage the use of travel modes that reduce traffic congestion. More specifically, Public Transit administers state and federal funds to help urban areas develop mass transit systems; provides funding and training to small city and rural transit agencies; develops and supports intercity bus and passenger rail services. It also administers programs to provide transportation for elderly and disabled Oregonians; coordinates a statewide demand management/rideshare program to promote using alternatives to driving alone; and provides transit planning and technical help to Oregon communities.

The Transportation Safety Section and the associated Transportation Committee are responsible for administering a statewide safety program. The section plans and coordinates the implementation of prevention programs designed to reduce traffic accidents and injuries, encourage and support local traffic safety organizations, and improve data systems. It also awards grants to state and local agencies and non-profit groups. Other duties include administering a comprehensive public information program; encouraging communities, state agencies, and private organizations to implement safety programs for youth and general audiences; coordinating motorcycle safety training; encouraging bicycle safety training;planning training programs for traffic safety professionals; completing special studies; and managing the Oregon portion of the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS), a national data collection system.

Motor Carrier Transportation Branch
The 1995 Legislative Assembly transferred the duties, functions, and powers of the Public Utility Commission related to motor carriers and railroads to the Department of Transportation. More recently the director of ODOT created the Motor Carrier Transportation Branch to more efficiently carry out these added responsibilities.

The goals of the branch are to promote safe, adequate, economical, and efficient service and to promote the conservation of energy; to promote sound economic conditions in transportation; to encourage the establishment and maintenance of reasonable rates for transportation services; to control the wear on highways; to reduce inconvenience to other highway users; and to prevent unsafe use. The following are some of the statutory powers and responsibilities of the branch:

Represent the customers of any motor carrier, and the public generally, in all controversies respecting rates, valuations, and service.
Adopt and amend reasonable rules and regulations regarding motor carriers, railroads, and investigations into them.
Inquire into the management of all motor carriers and railroads. This includes the right to obtain all necessary information or records from the motor carrier or railroad; enter any premises or rolling stock; perform tests; and to examine under oath officers and employees of motor carriers and railroads.
Place all fees, fines, and penalties from railroad violations into the Railroad Fund to be used for ongoing branch expenses in regulating railroads.

Communications Branch
The Communications Branch leads the department's legislative, communication, and community involvement efforts to advance understanding and support for ODOT's mission. A major initiative of the branch is to implement the Strategic Communication Plan which focuses on strengthening the role of employees as ambassadors for ODOT; involving the public in decisions which impact transportation; and anticipating and addressing events that will affect ODOT.

The branch is led by the assistant to the director and is managed by a team made up of the managers of the following four sections: Government Relations; Public Affairs; Commission and Community Relations; and Director and Communications Support.

The Government Relations Section coordinates, researches, and analyzes all legislative matters at the state and federal level. It also advocates the department's position to all levels of government and develops partnerships with state and

federal governments; Oregon's congressional delegation, governor, Legislative Assembly and businesses; as well as others interested in the transportation system.

The Public Affairs Section provides communication education and consultation services to an assigned customer base within the department. They also have responsibility for media relations (including a radio news service), event planning, issue/crisis management, speech writing, editing, video scripting, and internal/external publications.

The Commission and Community Relations Section is a strategic resource to the department for the assessment, design, development, and evaluation of public involvement and internal/external communication processes. It also provides support for the Oregon Transportation Commission.

The Director and Communications Support Section provides support for the director, deputy director, assistant to the director, the department's management team, and all other sections within the branch. This section is also responsible for responding to and resolving citizen concerns and providing information and referral for citizen inquiries.

Central Services Division
The Central Services Division consists of the following Branches that facilitate the work of other ODOT business lines:

Audit Services Branch provides process and program reviews to all business lines of the Department. Services include: performance audits, internal control reviews, contract audits, financial & compliance audits, risk assessment. This Branch is also responsible for the Safe Haven Program which provides assistance with ethics-related questions and ensures compliance with ODOT’s ethics policies.

Human Resources Branch has responsibility for various human resources related services provided to ODOT employees. Examples include recruitment and selection, training, and protection of civil rights. Major sections of the Branch include: HR Administration, HR Business Consulting, Corporate Services, Employment & Diversity, Labor Relations & Training, and Employee Civil Rights.

Financial Services Branch generally manages the finances of all ODOT branches. Functions include budget/cash management; financial analysis; administration of funds and grants; payroll; accounting; and auditing and review. The Branch also includes the Fuels Tax Group which administers the motor vehicle and aircraft fuel tax and the use fuel excise tax laws. Among the duties of the group are audit, collection, and refund claim functions. Major sections of the Branch include: Financial Operations, Economic & Financial Analysis, Debt & Investment Finance, Economics & Policy Analysis, Budget Services & Cost Analysis, and Fuels Tax.

Information Systems Branch manages development and implementation of systems to enhance the flow of information within and between branches and between ODOT and other state agencies, federal agencies, and related entities. Major sections of the Branch include: DMV Application Development, Motor Carrier Application Development, Office of Information Technology, Transportation Application Development, and Technology Management.

Support Services Branch provides a variety of services to all ODOT business lines. These include: records management, general files/history center, library/information resource center, aerial photography, audio and video production, facilities management, fleet management, and procurement services. Major sections of the Branch include: Business Services, Facilities Management, Fleet Services, and ODOT Procurement Office.

Economic Partnerships Unit
The Economic Partnerships Unit of the Director's Office is charged with exploring and developing future funding sources for Oregon transportation systems. The Governor's Transportation Initiative and Tollways and the Public/Private Partnership Initiative (OL 1995 c. 668) serve as the basis for the effort. These initiatives recognize that traditional public sources of revenue such as federal funding have not kept pace with Oregon's transportation needs. They are enhanced by the federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 which authorizes a mix of federal funding with private funding thus allowing states to leverage available federal funds as a means of attracting private capital.

The goal of the branch is to form partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies and jurisdictions to improve transportation systems. The 1995 legislation enables ODOT and its partners to use tolling and other innovative financing mechanisms to fund the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation facilities. This effort may evolve into an operating authority to construct and operate "high-dollar" projects for which traditional funding is not available. The feasibility of infrastructure banking and partnering with private enterprise as part of the funding mix is being explored and developed.

Associated Boards and Advisory Committees

The All-terrain Vehicle Account Allocation Committee advises the Oregon Transportation Commission on the use of special funds to acquire, develop, and maintain ATV facilities; to provide ATV safety and education programs; and to provide first aid and police services. Funds for the program come from ATV fuel

taxes, title, registration, and permit fees. The Transportation Commission appoints the seven voting and four non-voting members to the committee for four year terms.

The Bicycle Advisory Committee advises ODOT on regulating bicycle traffic and establishing bikeways and walkways. ODOT, cities, and counties are required by law to provide walkways and bikeways. The committee members are appointed by the governor to four year terms.

The Covered Bridge Advisory Committee and the Covered Bridge Program were established to restore and maintain Oregon's Covered bridges. The advisory committee is a liaison advocate to counties, elected officials, and covered bridge

owners. ODOT has an annual covered bridge inspection program and makes grants to public or private entities that own public access bridges.

The Governor's Advisory Committee on DUII develops administrative and legislative objectives to reduce driving under the influence on intoxicants (DUII) and monitors their implementation; heightens public awareness of the DUII

problem; and educates the public on the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

The Historic Columbia River Highway Advisory Committee advises ODOT and the Parks and Recreation Department in developing programs to preserve, restore, and manage the scenic highway in the Columbia River Gorge.

Since 1846, the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots has promoted public safety by providing for competent pilot services on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, the Columbia River Bar, Coos Bay, and Yaquina Bay. The board establishes requirements for maritime pilots; administers exams; and licenses, disciplines, and regulates maritime pilots. The nine member board is appointed by the governor to four year terms. It includes three private citizens, three professional maritime pilots, and three maritime shipping industry members.

The eight member Governor's Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee meets with and advises ODOT's Transportation Safety Committee on all aspects of motorcycle safety in Oregon.

The Rural Transit Assistance Program Advisory Committee helps provide training statewide for local transportation agencies; offers training program scholarships; provides technical help for specific problems; and helps to coordinate local

transportation services and resources. The committee members are appointed by the ODOT Public Transit manager to three year terms.

The Transportation Safety Committee advises ODOT and the Oregon Transportation Commission on traffic safety matters. Committee members are appointed by the governor to four year terms.

The seven member Winter Recreation Advisory Committee advises the Oregon Transportation Commission on designating winter recreation parking locations statewide. The committee represents ski area operators, the Pacific Northwest Ski Association, Oregon State Snowmobile Association, and the general public. The committee members serve four year terms.

Bibliography
Comprehensive Annual 1995 Financial Report and Summary of Operations, Oregon Department of Transportation, 1995

History of State Administrative Agencies in Oregon, 1843-1937, Oregon State Planning Board, 1939.

Oregon Blue Book

Oregon Laws

Oregon Revised Statutes

Oregon's Highway Park System, 1921-1989, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 1992.

State Government Organization: Second Report of the Legislative Interim Committee on State Government Administration, 1951.

State of Oregon Telephone Directory, Department of Administrative Services, 1993, 1995.

Oregon Department of Transportation World Wide Web Site:

http://www.odot.state.or.us/index.htm