Washington D.C. – Working to improve Oregon’s roads
and bridges U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
announced today that the Senate approved nearly $8 million for infrastructure
and job creation throughout Oregon as part of the Transportation, Housing and
Urban Development Senate Appropriations bill. These funds will provide
jobs for Oregonians improving outdated bridges and traffic flow, addressing
traffic hazards that threaten public safety and by protecting Southern Oregon’s
fishing industry.
Also included in the bill is over $74 million for the final installment
of the South Corridor Light Rail Project (MAX Green Line) in Multnomah and
Clackamas counties.
“A strong economy and a great transportation system go hand-in-hand,”
Wyden said. “These funds will improve roads and bridges, renovate facilities
and purchase equipment that will help to create family-wage jobs and make it
easier and safer for Oregonians to travel.”
“The way we turn this economy around is by providing good-paying jobs
in every corner of Oregon, from Pendleton to Klamath Falls to Portland,”
said Merkley “These funds will help spur rural economic development and put
Oregonians back to work rebuilding critical infrastructure and reducing traffic
congestion and harmful air pollution. A strong transportation system is
absolutely necessary to lay the groundwork for future economic growth.”
The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill must be
merged with the House bill and signed into law by the President before funds
become available.
Projects in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development
Appropriations bill include:
Columbia River Crossing – $2,000,000
Funds will be used to reduce congestion, promote safety, and increase
accessibility for drivers, transit, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Sellwood Bridge (Multnomah County) Replacement Project – $1,300,000
Funds will be used for the final design of a new bridge across the Willamette
River in Southeast Portland.
Redmond 5th and 6th Street Construction – $800,000
Funds will be used to remove and replace degraded pavement, curbs, and
sidewalks.
U.S. Highway 97 and J Street Intersection Project in Madras – $700,000
Funds will be used to ensure a safe and efficient flow of interstate traffic
through the intersection.
Pendleton Round-Up Facilities – $500,000
Funds will be used to improve facilities for the rodeo, which generates over
$20 million annually for the county.
Newberg-Dundee Transportation Project – $400,000
Funds will be used to reduce congestion by routing traffic flow away from the
downtown area.
Port of Coos Bay Dock Equipment – $350,000
Funds will be used to purchase new dock equipment for commercial fishing
vessels critical to the local economy.
Albany 53rd Avenue Bridge and Roadway Extension Project –
$300,000
Funds will be used for roadway extension to reduce traffic and increase public
safety.
Klamath Falls Brett Way Extension – $300,000
Funds will be used to extend Brett Way and create a new intersection to improve
public safety.
Hines Street Rehabilitation Project – $300,000
Funds will be used to repair degraded streets in the city of Hines.
Ontario Railroad Underpass Rehabilitation and Reconstruction – $300,000
Funds will be used to redesign and reconstruct an underpass.
Corvallis Highway 99 widening project – $300,000
Funds will be used to widen Highway 99 to increase public safety.
Moro 4th Street Improvement Project – $126,076
Funds will be used to widen 4th street and include paved shoulders,
curb and gutters, and improve drainage.
Silverton Senior and Disabled Transportation Service – $39,429
Funds will be used to purchase an ADA accessible van, reducing maintenance and
operating costs.
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