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Newberg-Dundee Bypass and Widening Highway 217 Included
Washington, DC -- Today Congressman David Wu announced that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved $24 million for projects in Oregon's First Congressional District. The funding is for projects ranging from the Newberg-Dundee Bypass to the widening of Highway 217. Today's announcement is part of the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU), which reauthorizes surface transportation programs through FY 2009.
"These projects will help create jobs, lessen the traffic congestion and will help promote public safety," said Congressman David Wu. "Today's actions are an important step in ensuring that Oregon receives funding for these important and vital projects."
The following is a breakdown of the projects:
* Newberg-Dundee Bypass ($11 million)
This project helps solve the massive traffic congestion on Highway 99W in Yamhill County, Oregon. This major state highway literally divides the two historic cities of Newberg, and Dundee. Today's funds are for purchase of right of way, planning, design and construction of a highway.
* Highway 217: Tualatin Valley Highway to US 26 ($10 million)
This project completes the widening of Highway 217 between Tualatin Valley Highway and the US 26 interchange in Beaverton.
* Highway 26 Study ($1 million)
This is a feasibility study to study the widening of Highway 26 from the Highway 217 interchange to Cornelius Pass Road.
* Delaura Beach Lane ($150,000)
This project will provide the City of Warrenton a bicycle and pedestrian friendly bike lane to Delaura Beach Lane. Delaura Beach Lane is an established bike route and a link that connects Fort Stevens State Park with the Fort Clatsop National Memorial and the newly developing National Park Service "Fort to Sea Trail."
* Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge 99W Access and Facilities ($800,000)
This project will construct facilities that will include an environmental education shelter, restrooms, interpretive trails with outdoor study sites, river and wetland overlooks, photography blind, and interpretive wayside, fishing access a variety of interpretive exhibit media, and the wildlife visitor center and office.
* City of Scappoose railroad crossing at Highway 30 and Havlik Road ($200,000)
This project will provide a vital interconnecting link between US Highway 30 and the developing area east of the Portland and Western tracks running north and south through the City of Scappoose.
* Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway/Scholls Ferry/Oleson Road Intersection ($250,000)
The proposed project involves the reconfiguration of three adjacent arterial intersections in eastern Washington County to increase capacity and improve safety for all modes of transportation.
* Astoria Bypass Study ($250,000)
This project would study the feasibility of a bypass from Young's Bay Bridge, off Highway 101, up and over state forest land to join up with Highway 30 near the John Day Bridge. Funding would be used to advance and accelerate the planning process for the evaluation in support of alternatives in support of an eventual Astoria bypass.
* Union Station Intermodal Facility Development ($100,000)
This project will preserve this historic landmark and ensure that it will play an ever-increasing role as a key intermodal transportation hub for our rapidly growing metropolitan area. The project will restore and preserve the Station's historic fabric while structurally reinforcing it to withstand major earthquakes. It will also receive public safety upgrades, including upgrades to the fire protection and electrical systems.
* Columbia County Buses ($140,000)
This project would provide Columbia County Transit system with more buses.
* Yamhill County Bus Shelters, Park and Ride Facilities ($110,000)
This project will provide bus shelters, parking facilities, and create signage strategy to the Yamhill County area.
Community Leaders Comment on Congressman Wu's Transportation Successes
"The City of Dundee greatly appreciates Congressman Wu's persistent leadership to fund a solution to the traffic mess in our community. The fact that he was able to secure $11 million for our project, and more money for transit as well, is such a great testament to how hard he has been working for us. We are excited to be working with the Congressman to build the Newberg Dundee Bypass as soon as it can possibly be constructed."
Diane Ragsdale, Mayor of Dundee
"We are very thankful that we have a champion like Congressman Wu back there in D.C. that understands our plight, is constantly helping us, and is so willing to go to battle for us. My whole City, this whole region, we're just so lucky to have him there."
Bob Stewart, Mayor of Newberg
"The leadership that Congressman Wu is providing in the funding of this project is an inspiration to all of us as we move this project forward, and will prove to be critical to the project's success. The Parkway Committee and the Chambers of Commerce are deeply appreciative of his efforts to address the safety and transportation needs of our communities. The quality of life for all of our citizens, and literally thousands of jobs, are at stake with this project, and the fact that our Congressman knows this and works non-stop for us, is just something else."
David Haugeberg, Chair, Yamhill Parkway Committee
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