Kris Strickler, the head of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), announced his resignation effective at the end of the year, marking a significant shift for an agency facing intense scrutiny over its management of costly mega projects and a funding crisis that jeopardized hundreds of jobs. Strickler, who has led ODOT for five years, highlighted the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent financial difficulties in his statement. “The employees of ODOT are dedicated to improving the lives of Oregonians and because of that commitment, I know ODOT will continue to thrive,” he said.
After protracted political negotiations, lawmakers passed a road funding bill that includes new taxes and fees aimed at supporting ODOT and preventing layoffs. Governor Tina Kotek signed the legislation into law this week, but it may face further challenges as Republican lawmakers attempt to gather signatures to put it to a public vote. Strickler mentioned that his decision to step down was difficult but feels timely now that funding for the maintenance and operation of the transportation system is secured. He emphasized the need for fresh leadership to guide ODOT into its next phase.
State officials commended Strickler’s contributions, noting his role in advancing various initiatives to enhance transportation in Oregon. Kotek praised him as a “dedicated leader” who has faced challenges head-on, expressing gratitude for his commitment to ensuring safe and efficient travel for Oregonians. Lisa Sumption, who leads Oregon Parks and Recreation, has been appointed as interim director.
Strickler’s exit comes as the future of one of the state’s most ambitious projects, the widening of Interstate 5 through Portland’s Rose Quarter, remains uncertain. State transportation leaders are currently deliberating whether to continue funding this plan. In a recent letter to the Oregon Transportation Commission, Strickler presented several options for utilizing the limited funds allocated to the project, including redirecting resources to other ODOT operations or addressing the rising costs of the Abernethy Bridge on Interstate 205, which has ballooned from $250 million to $815 million.
Oregon has invested at least $143 million in planning and engineering for the Rose Quarter project before construction can commence. However, the federal government withdrew a crucial grant in July, leaving the project with a significant $1.5 billion funding gap, the resolution of which remains uncertain among lawmakers. Originally intended to alleviate congestion in one of the nation’s most notorious bottlenecks, the Rose Quarter project has transformed into a broader initiative to cap the freeways and support construction above them, aiming to revitalize a historically Black community adversely affected by the construction of I-5 decades ago.
Although a state transportation commission meeting to discuss the project was scheduled for Thursday, it has been postponed until December. Future funding for the Rose Quarter will ultimately depend on legislative decisions in light of federal funding cuts imposed this year, making financing for significant transportation projects increasingly challenging.
Strickler previously led the Columbia River Crossing project, which aimed to construct a new bridge between Vancouver and Portland but was abandoned in 2014 due to budget issues. His resignation follows a wave of departures at ODOT, including two leaders of the Rose Quarter project this year. He acknowledged the scrutiny he faced in his final year, stating, “They needed somebody to beat on, and they beat on him,” attributing the agency’s turnover to widespread morale problems.
