Merkley, Wyden Announce over $24 Million Headed to the Port of Portland

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and
Ron Wyden announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the
Port of Portland $24,360,000 to improve port infrastructure for current and
future operations. The project will support current infrastructure by
strengthening pavement for flexible cargo storage and upgrading pavement in the
container yard. The funding will also support new stormwater treatment infrastructure
to reduce pollutants entering the Columbia River, improve energy consumption,
reduce light pollution, and support the Port’s goal of moving toward
zero-emission operations.

“Ports are a crucial part of keeping the economies of Oregon
and the Northwest moving smoothly, and we rely on them to move goods throughout
our region and export our amazing Oregon products around the world,” said
Senator Merkley. “This funding will provide crucial support to the Port of
Portland to improve their existing infrastructure and bolster their efforts to
reduce the environmental impacts of their operations.”

“Portland’s airport has grown so much in the past few
years—in size as well as commitment to sustainable practices,” Wyden
said. “I’m gratified to see these dollars go toward strengthening some
of the base structures that keep the Port of Portland running smoothly while
also doing more to meet the Port’s sustainability goals by lowering
emissions.” 

The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the Port
of Portland funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)
Awards, which is administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration to fund
projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of
goods into, out of, around, or within a port. These awards are funded through
the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under the FY22 Consolidated
Appropriations Act.

“This federal investment will
have positive ripple effects throughout the Pacific
Northwest,” said Port of Portland Executive Director
Curtis Robinhold. “The pavement and electrical improvements made
possible through the DOT grant will improve operational conditions and increase
the efficiency, productivity, and safety of cargo handling throughout the
Port’s Terminal 6 — Oregon’s only marine container terminal. Perhaps most
significantly, the grant will allow us to reduce our impact on the environment
and ensure that those whose livelihood depends on trade, especially those in
rural communities, will continue to have access to national and global
markets.”