Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Dexter Announce $5 Million for Sustainable Community Development Projects in Portland Metro Area

Washington D.C.-U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter today announced a federal investment of $5 million for projects in the Portland metro area that develop zero-emission transit to connect disadvantaged communities to jobs, education, economic opportunity, public spaces and parks.

"Having reliable and sustainable access to transportation is essential for residents and small businesses in any community to thrive," Wyden said. "I applaud this funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Lawthat I fought for which will improve transportation efficiency and community safety in and around Portland. And I will continue to advocate for more resources for infrastructure projects across Oregon."

"These grants are a vital investment in reconnecting and uplifting historic communities of color and underserved neighborhoods across Oregon," said Merkley. "These projects are all focused on righting historic wrongs by repairing the harm of past infrastructure decisions and advancing community-led visions for the future. By delivering equitable, community-driven investments in transit, affordable housing, and green infrastructure, these efforts will ensure the corridors meet the needs of the communities who call the neighborhoods around them home."

"Our transportation system should connect people, not divide communities. Dangerous roads like TV Highway and 82^nd Avenue do not currently serve the needs of residents, small businesses, and visitors, who need safe and accessible ways to reach housing, jobs, recreation, and essential services. I helped secure this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support efforts in our region to build safer, livable, healthy communities," said Bonamici.

"Every Oregon community deserves sustainable, reliable, and safe transportation options. $3 million is headed to 82^nd Avenue and the Boise-Eliot neighborhood to support projects that do just that. In Congress, I will continue fighting to bring federal resources home to ensure-no matter their zip code-every Oregon family thrives," said Dexter.

The $5 million investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant program will support planning activities for future construction projects and address local transportation challenges. The awards will be distributed in Oregon as follows:

• Boise-Eliot Planning Study: $1 million
• Reconnecting 82nd Ave Community Planning Study: $2 million
• TV Highway Community Connections Planning Study: $2 million

"Thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation, investments along 82nd Avenue and Tualatin Valley Highway will connect more people to housing, jobs, education, parks and services," said Metro Council president Lynn Peterson. "Both projects will help the people and businesses along these corridors create economically vibrant and safe communities with the benefits of these planned transportation investments."

A web version of the release is here.

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