Agency to direct wildfire cleanup

On Friday, the legislative emergency board approved $50 million for ODOT to lead wildfire cleanup efforts. When Director Strickler announced at the OTC meeting on Thursday that lawmakers were considering this new project, commissioners were full of praise for our entire department. Program details will be coming soon.

Time change: And tips for a safe Halloween It all comes together THIS Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween, a full moon… and the end to Daylight Saving Time for 2020. At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, we’ll set our clocks back one hour. First, though, take a peek at some Halloween safety tips from the Oregon Health Authority. Then, make sure you get enough sleep so the time change doesn’t make you drowsy…especially if you’re going to be behind the wheel early next week.

Open enrollment for insurance ends soon

PEBB is giving us a pass on open enrollment this year. Get the scoop on what you need to do and what you may not have to do! Deadline is Oct. 31.

Speaking of time… management Need some basic tips on managing your time? This GovLoop article breaks it down so you have some practical tips you can put to work right away.

Oct. 26,  2020

Quick Hits

• Lawmakers send $100 million to wildfire relief, vote against homeless shelters (Statesman Journal)
• Oregon lawmakers okay $30 million to buy motels for shelters for wildfire victims (KTVZ)
• Ore. Senator Frederick talks transportation and the I-5 Bridge (Clark County Today)
• 24/7 lane restrictions lifted on OR 138 (KQEN)
• The gas tax was already broken. The pandemic could end it (Smart Cities Dive)
• Photos of Oregon’s extreme autumn beauty (That Oregon Life)
• ODOT says it’s time to get your car ready for winter (Central Oregon Daily)
• Column: Finding ways to help the Albina District grow (Business Tribune)
• ODOT begins clearing trees for Hwy 97 project south of Sunriver (KTVZ)
• Leader of ODOT Climate Office: “We’re moving in the complete wrong direction” (BikePortland)
• ODOT enforcing political signage law (Newport News Times)
• From bullets to asbestos, hazardous fire debris cleanup is underway (Medford Mail Tribune)
• Malheur County in talks over possible sale of Nyssa rail center (Bend Bulletin)

Inside ODOT – coming to you in the News Brief We hear many things… (letters from our customers) Commerce and Compliance team welcomes Rail Safety team October Photo of the Month No. 7 Got a story idea? Send it to us.

Non-Trivial Transportation Trivia

Last time we tested your knowledge about teen driving – and safe driving in particular. The false statement in the group was that your hands should be on the wheel at “10 and 2” (referring to the hands of a clock). It’s now “8 o’clock and 4 o’clock.” There are several good reasons for this, and many are related to technology. For example, because airbags are common in vehicles today, the lower position on the wheel can help reduce potential injury to your hands and arms if an airbag is deployed. 

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