Washington, DC -- Today Congressman David Wu announced the federal government will be investing over $48 million in vital transportation projects in Oregon's First Congressional District. The projects are included in the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) which reauthorizes funding levels for highways, highway safety programs and mass transit programs through Fiscal Year 2009. The conference report detailing these funds was filed today and is expected to be sent to the House floor for final passage this evening.
"These projects will keep Oregon's economic engine running by creating jobs and reducing traffic congestion to improve the flow of commerce while also reflecting our values by funding alternative transportation options," stated Congressman Wu. "As we look towards the future, such investments in Oregon's highways and mass transit systems will foster and accommodate the kind of economic growth we expect to generate."
Additionally, Congressman Wu is pleased to report the Washington County Commuter Rail Project will retain its recommended rating and therefore, will continue to move towards completion as planned. Since Congressman Wu's first day in Congress, he has advocated for the commuter rail project. He has secured over $16 million for this project and will continue to secure additional federal funds until the project is complete. 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.
Also included in the bill is funding for a transportation research center at Portland State University. With the support of the federal government and in partnership with other Oregon universities, PSU will play a key role in addressing the economic, environmental, congestion mitigation and transportation safety issues for the metropolitan area, the state of Oregon and the nation.
PSU is well-suited to house the transportation center. PSU's Center for Urban Studies and the Transportation Studies Center have a long and respected history of providing transportation research for local and regional planners and Oregon's Department of Transportation.
Below are the First Congressional District projects receiving federal support:
· Washington County Commuter Rail, continued authorization
This project will now undergo a full funding grant agreement with the Federal Transit Administration. Such agreements lead to annual funding.
· $16 million, PSU Transportation Research Center
Portland State University has been named to house a transportation research center. With the support of the federal government and in partnership with other Oregon universities, PSU will play a key role in addressing the economic, environmental, congestion mitigation and transportation safety issues for the metropolitan area, the state of Oregon and the nation.
· $23.5 million, Newberg-Dundee Bypass
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.
· $8.7 million, Highway 217
This project completes the widening of Highway 217 between the Tualatin Valley Highway (Highway 8) and the US 26 interchange in Beaverton.
· $992,000, Highway 26 Study
This is a feasibility study to consider widening of Highway 26 from the Highway 217 interchange to Cornelius Pass Road.
· $793,600, Tualatin River Wildlife Refuge 99W Access/Facilities
This project will construct facilities that will include an environmental education shelter, interpretive trails with outdoor study sites, river and wetland overlooks, a variety of interpretive exhibit media and the wildlife visitor center and office.
· $3 million, Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway/Scholls Ferry/Oleson Road Intersection
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.
· $10.3 million, I-5/99W connector in Washington County
This project will work to relieve pressure on Hwy 99 and the growing amount of traffic traveling to I-5.
· $148,800, Delaura Beach Lane
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."
· $198,400, Scappoose railroad crossing, Highway 30 & Havlik Road
This project will provide a vital interconnecting link between US Highway 30 and the developing area east of the Portland and Western Railroad tracks running north and south through the City of Scappoose.
· $248,000, Astoria Bypass Study
This project will 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 will be used to advance and accelerate the planning process for the evaluation in support of alternatives in support of an eventual Astoria bypass.
· $117,040, Columbia County Buses
This project would provide the Columbia County Transit system with more buses.
· $91,960, Yamhill County Bus Shelters, Park and Ride Facilities
This project will provide bus shelters, parking facilities, and create signage to the Yamhill County area.
· $83,600, Union Station Intermodal Facility Development
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.
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