Smith, Wyden Say Senate Appropriations Bill Will Benefit Several Oregon Transportation Projects

Salem and Redmond Airports to Expand, Portland Light Rail Project Gets $80 million boost.

Salem's McNary Field during a vintage airshow Photo by: Tim King

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The U.S. Senate is set to consider funding legislation that will directly benefit Oregon’s highways, transportation systems and housing initiatives, U.S. Senators Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) said Tuesday.

“Improving our highways and public transportation systems will ease congestion and help build Oregon’s economy,” Smith said. “These funds will move forward light rail and commuter train projects that will transport thousands of people. There is also money to expand airports and improve our highways. It is critical to move this legislation forward.”

“From rails and roads to economic development and affordable housing initiatives, these projects address critical needs for Oregon,” Wyden said. “This funding represents an important federal investment in our economy and in the future of our state.”

The appropriations are contained in legislation that funds the Departments of Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary and Housing and Urban Development.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the bill last week.

The bill is now ready to be considered by the full Senate before being reconciled with a similar version in the House of Representatives.

The bill includes provisions funding:

Portland - $80 million to construct a light rail line along I-205 connecting downtown Portland with Clackamas Regional Center. The funding will be used to complete the design, purchase track, vehicles and real estate.

Washington and Clackamas Counties - $27.6 million to construct a 14.7 mile commuter rail line between Beaverton, OR and Wilsonville, OR. The funding will be used for track and bridge construction, to purchase commuter rail cars and to acquire real estate.

Portland - $542,940 to make a plan for expanding the MAX light rail system from Portland to Milwaukie, OR. The MAX expansion would come after the completion of the expansion of the light rail line along I-205.

Portland - $2 million to improve the SW Macadam Avenue exit (Oregon Highway 43) off of I-5. Once completed, the ramp will provide access to 10,000 new jobs and 3,000 new residents within the South Waterfront District.

Salem - McNary Field is set to receive $1.5 million for runway construction

Washington County - $1 million in additional funding to connect I-5 with Oregon Highway 99W

Redmond - $2 million to continue terminal renovations at Roberts Field-Redmond Municipal Airport

Baker County - $1 million to improve a dangerous stretch of I-84 between Burnt and Snake River and Ontario by installing advance warning system that will alert motorists to road and traffic conditions

Eugene - $500,000 to study traffic congestion on the Beltline Road transportation corridor between Coburg Road and River Road. Currently, the route is one of the most congested and dangerous east to west routes in the area with over 81,000 vehicles crossing the Willamette River Bridge each day.

Klamath County - $300,000 to help redesign the intersection of Oregon Route 140, 66 and U.S. Route 97 to better allow for traffic flow

Prineville - $1 million for construction and design of a parallel route east and west through Prineville

Depoe Bay - $200,000 to expand the existing Neighbors For Kids facility and establish space for computer and science labs, music and painting arts, tutoring sites. A large enclosed recreation area will also be created.

Portland metro area (Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties) – $800,000 to provide permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless single adults and to link together critical services with permanent housing for high need homeless families with children.

Toledo - $300,000 to purchase and develop a multi-modal shipping and marine industrial site that would foster water-related commerce through barge, rail, and truck shipping of materials and goods connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Willamette Valley and both domestic and international markets

Cascade Locks - $200,000 for engineering and final design to develop a sail park

Portland - $300,000 to develop affordable housing within the South Waterfront District