Portland TIGER project promises "an oasis of employment and innovation"

The Department of Transportation's TIGER awards have been a huge success.  And today I helped break ground on a project in Portland's South Waterfront district that is a perfect example of a community solving problems through innovative transportation ideas.

The $66.5 million SW Moody Avenue project received $23 million in TIGER funds and will help generate economic activity by reconstructing a critical corridor.  Elevating the roadway will allow the city to cap adjacent brownfields, open up large parcels of land for development--including a hospital--and transform this district, as Portland Mayor Sam Adams said, into one of the city's greenest areas.

And the elevated Moody Avenue will offer a host of new transportation options:

• Traffic lanes that will increase capacity and reduce congestion so drivers can spend less time on the road stuck in traffic and more time with their families;
• Pedestrian and bicycle facilities that will give people cleaner, greener transportation options for getting around the city; and
• Streetcar service that will help create new economic opportunities and connect residents with Portland’s central business district.  And we know those streetcars will pack twice the economic punch, too, because they’ll be built right in Portland, by Americans for Americans.

This project, like all TIGER projects, is part of President Obama’s plan to put communities first in transportation planning.  This Administration knows that the nation's cities, towns, and regions understand better than anyone the specific transportation and land-use challenges they face.

The communities--like Portland--awarded TIGER grants have developed innovative ideas to meet those challenges head-on.  And when we back that innovation with smart, targeted investments, we generate an economic ripple effect that creates jobs, supports business development, and helps keep America on track toward economic recovery.

As Congressman Earl Blumenauer said, "Thanks to this investment, this area will become an oasis of employment and innovation for years to come."

Portland Congressman Kurt Schrader thanked the Administration, adding, "That's government that has your back when you really need it."

Transportation is about more than just getting from here to there.  It’s the lifeline of our economy. It’s how we connect to each other.  And I’m confident that Oregonians – and all Americans – will enjoy the benefits of these essential TIGER investments for years to come.

Comments

[Michael Levine]

I believe in the importance of expanding public transportation. I believe in the importance of creating jobs.
***I especially believe in equal access to public transit for all people. And, I know there is a need for Portland local government including TriMet management as stated on the FTA web home page needed: TriMet and local government starts complying with the ADA in order to continue receiving federal funds. TriMet is not in compliance with the ADA while spending HUNDREDS-OF-MILLIONS-OF-FEDERAL-DOLLARS while not meeting mandated ADA/ADAAG guidelines.

I would be pleased to discuss the needed changes...

Sincerely,
Michael Levine

[Erik Halstead]

$23 million to replace an existing, practically brand new Streetcar line (which involves no Streetcar vehicles, by the way.)

I wish Secretary LaHood and those supposed elected representatives would ride my bus with me. Any day. I ride a TriMet bus each day, a bus that is between 17 and 21 years old. On rainy days, they leak. On hot summer days, forget about air conditioning.

I've had to board buses at unimproved bus stops that don't even have a shelter or even a safe sidewalk to get to the stop. I've had bus stops that had no way to cross the street, meaning a fast dart across a five lane highway (where traffic moves at high speed - and that was within Portland city limits.) Buses frequently break down, don't show up, or are at crush load and pass up willing riders because there's no room.

Why does the FTA and our elected officials pretend that our bus system doesn't matter? The buses in Portland carry 2/3rds of the transit usage in our region, but if you listen to the "leaders", it's as if bus riders don't matter...they are the equivalent of "steerage class" - hidden below deck, not to be seen or heard from.

So...it's great we got $23 million for rebuilding an existing streetcar line that didn't need fixing. When my bus breaks down again...should I resort to driving because the feds pretend that I, and the 50 other people on my bus, don't exist?