City leaders are beginning to explore street fees, fuel taxes and other revenue options as Salem’s transportation fund approaches a projected deficit.
Salem needs roughly $11 million more each year just to keep its streets from deteriorating beyond their current condition, city officials told the City Council during a Monday night work session focused on the growing financial strain facing the transportation system.
The Aug. 17 discussion marked the beginning of a broader financial roadmap process as the city weighs how to pay for streets, sidewalks, traffic signals and other transportation infrastructure while traditional revenue fails to keep pace with rising costs…