With phase II of federal grant program TIGER (Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery) underway, Oregon has another opportunity to request federal funding for multimodal transportation projects that are crucial to sustainable transportation and economic development in our region.
Cars and trucks are responsible for nearly 40% of global warming pollution in Oregon. By creating new pedestrian and bicycle options for thousands of Portland-area residents, the project will provide numerous solutions to the challenge that Oregon faces to reduce the impact we as a community have on the environment. Proper infrastructure and access to safe, non-automobile transportation is essential for an ever-increasing number of Portlanders who choose to ditch their cars for healthy, environmentally-friendly commute options. The BTA endorses and supports the cost-effective, sustainable solutions to offset climate change that the SE Corridor Project proposes.
SE Portland Corridor Project from Mayor Sam Adams on Vimeo.
What is the SE Corridor Project?
For the next round of federal TIGER grants, TriMet has teamed with the Portland Development Commission, Metro, the City of Portland and the City of Milwaukie in hopes of securing funds for much needed improvements to Southeast Portland’s built environment and transportation infrastructure. If approved, the project would bring enhanced transportation options to residents of Southeast Portland, thus increasing job options, livability, increased freight efficiency and opportunities for present and potential economic investment. Benefits for the environment are also numerous: Portland will take huge steps to improve air quality and offset climate change by improving currently limited alternative transportation options in the area.
The project aims at creating safer non-automobile transportation options by relocating SE Water Avenue and the Oregon Pacific Railroad, making railroad yard improvements to the SE industrial area, constructing a multi-use path to connect Clinton Street and the Willamette River, rebuilding the currently unsafe Rhine Pedestrian Bridge, and creating a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Kellogg Lake. Individually, these projects will give SE Portland residents access to many multimodal transportation opportunities; together they will help build a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly region.
Visit the SE Corridor Project website to learn more about all the project elements. Check the BTA blog for future updates on the status of this project and other regional bike/ped project applications submitted for TIGER II funding.
