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WASHINGTON, DC -- Today Congressman David Wu announced the federal government will be investing $29.6 million in transportation projects vital to the First District of Oregon.
"These projects will keep Oregon's economic engine running by reducing traffic congestion and will increase safety and livability," said Congressman Wu. "I am particularly pleased to have secured funding towards planning for the widening of Highway 217. By adding capacity and improving safety along Highway 217, we make a responsible investment in an area that has provided significant, long-term economic benefit to the entire state of Oregon."
Below are the transportation projects receiving federal support:
Since Congressman Wu's first day in Congress, he has advocated for the commuter rail project. To date, he has secured over $58 million for this project. Today's funding completes the fifty- percent federal share. Tri-Met estimates the commuter rail ridership will go a long way to relieving the increased demand on our roads, particularly on Highway 217 in Washington County.
BACKGROUND: In 2001, the Oregon legislature approved $35 million in state funds to the construction of the project. Washington County has committed an additional $25 million in local funds. The project is expected to cost approximately $102 million. The project entered into final design in 2004 and will open in 2008.
Requested federal funds match an equal amount of local funds and be used for vehicles, construction and right-of-way acquisition. The project includes the purchase of five self-propelled rail vehicles, the construction of five stations, four park & ride lots, vehicle maintenance and dispatch facilities, and upgrade of existing track and related infrastructure.
Funding would be used towards an Environmental Impact Statement and preliminary engineering for the widening of Highway 217.
Today's funding is in addition to $8.7 million Congressman Wu secured last year to complete the widening of Highway 217 between the Tualatin Valley Highway (Highway 8) and the US 26 interchange in Beaverton.
This project helps solve the massive traffic congestion on Highway 99W in Yamhill County. This major state highway literally divides the two historic cities of Newberg and Dundee. Funds will be used for ongoing preliminary design and engineering efforts.
Congressman Wu has taken the lead in securing federal funding to build the bypass. Since Congressman Wu has been in office, he has secured over $27 million for the bypass.
Interstate 5 is the most vital north-south freight and passenger corridor on the West Coast. A bi-state task force has been working on plans to improve this important corridor. Funding would be used for Environmental Impact Statement work and preliminary engineering with the ultimate goal of the project to add highway and transit capacity across the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver.
This project supports the development of Portland's South Waterfront. Federal funding is needed to support access improvements to the South Waterfront district and downtown Portland. Specifically, funding would be used to improve freeway ramp access and street capacity between the I-5 freeway and Highway 43 (Macadam Avenue).
The projects are included in H.R. 4939, the Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. H.R. 4939 was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today and must now be approved by the Senate.
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