Commissioners outline toll scenarios to raise $1.5 billion; exemptions and equity programs under review

Commissioners and transportation staff briefed the joint legislative committee on the toll‑rate work that aims to produce $1.5 billion in net revenues to support the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program.

Lee Beyer, vice chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission, and Washington commissioners described a staged analysis that narrowed 10 scenarios down to four refined options. Beyer said the most recent analysis, an investment‑grade (Lehi 3) traffic and revenue study, was used to test what toll structures would meet the $1.5 billion target. Commissioner Matt Ransom (Washington) said the Washington commission is experienced with toll setting and the bi‑state subcommittee will deliver a recommendation this fall to the full commissions, with formal commission action expected early next year.

Policy points: staff told the committee there are three broad exemption buckets — statutory/tribal legal exemptions, operational exemptions (maintenance and emergency vehicles), and discretionary policy choices such as a low‑income discount and tribal exemptions determined through consultation. Program staff said Washington and Oregon statutes shape what can and cannot be exempted and that certain tribal treaty rights preempt tolling for adjudicated tribal riders; staff also said Washington law does not permit tolling of I‑205 at present.

Timing and public input: the toll subcommittee will meet monthly through the winter, present options to the full commissions in January and undertake public engagement in spring and summer 2027 before rate adoption in late 2027 or winter 2028 so that tolling systems can be set up about a year before pre‑completion tolling begins in 2028.