Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $1.5 million for infrastructure projects in the Salem area. Funding was designated for I-5/Kuebler Boulevard Interchange Improvements and the construction of sewer and water infrastructure at the Mill Creek Employment Center announced Congressman Kurt Schrader who requested funding for the projects. The funding was included in the FY2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill that passed the House Thursday night.

“These infrastructure improvements mean jobs now,” said Schrader. “There is a huge potential for success and economic development in the Salem area. The Mill Creek Employment Center serves the central valley and the waterline is absolutely critical for Mill Creek to build out. Once developed, Mill Creek has the potential to bring thousands of jobs and investment opportunities to our community.”

The Mill Creek Employment Center, located in the southeast corner of the Salem urban growth boundary, is one of the largest industrial properties with undeveloped acreage along the I-5 corridor in the Northwest. Last year, Schrader was able to secure $500,000 for the Mill Creek Employment Center that was used for used for infrastructure improvements for more than 500 developable acres at Mill Creek. The site is a huge economic development project for the area and has direct access to regional transportation facilities, including I-5, highway 22, rail facilities, the Port of Portland, and a proximity to a large labor force.

“In today’s economic climate, being ready means everything,” said Raymond Burstedt, President of SEDCOR. “With recovery of our economy comes rapid decisions by industry leaders for development of projects.  That means they want industrial sites that are “shovel ready” with all the bells and whistles.  Mill Creek Corporate Center can now say, “we are ready”.”

The Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill for FY2011 allocates an additional $500,000 in funding for the construction of water and sewer lines to increase the water pressure for fire safety and expanded use at the Mill Creek Employment Center, as well as 60 acres of industrial development at the Salem Renewable Energy and Technology Center, the Marion County Jail, the Oregon Police Academy and facilities at the Oregon Department of Corrections.

The House also approved $1 million for I-5/Kuebler Boulevard Interchange Improvements which will allow the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to reduce congestion and improve mobility at the interchange of I-5 and Kuebler Boulevard. Currently, ODOT is building a ramp that connects westbound Kuebler with northbound I-5, which will allow free access to northbound I-5 for trucks coming from the Mill Creek Employment Center.  Improvements to the interchange will help facilitate development of the Mill Creek Employment Center and will help create jobs by building the transportation capacity needed to develop Mill Creek.

The U.S. Senate is expected to pass its own version of the Transportation – Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Once the Senate has passed its version of the bill both will be sent to a conference committee where differences between the House and Senate versions will be worked out before Congress sends a final bill to the President to be signed into law.