October 31, 2022

Merkley, Wyden Announce over $24 Million Headed to the Port of Portland


Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the Port of Portland $24,360,000 to improve port infrastructure for current and future operations. The project will support current infrastructure by strengthening pavement for flexible cargo storage and upgrading pavement in the container yard. The funding will also support new stormwater treatment infrastructure to reduce pollutants entering the Columbia River, improve energy consumption, reduce light pollution, and support the Port’s goal of moving toward zero-emission operations.


“Ports are a crucial part of keeping the economies of Oregon and the Northwest moving smoothly, and we rely on them to move goods throughout our region and export our amazing Oregon products around the world,” said Senator Merkley. “This funding will provide crucial support to the Port of Portland to improve their existing infrastructure and bolster their efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations.”


“Portland’s airport has grown so much in the past few years—in size as well as commitment to sustainable practices,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified to see these dollars go toward strengthening some of the base structures that keep the Port of Portland running smoothly while also doing more to meet the Port’s sustainability goals by lowering emissions.” 


The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding the Port of Portland funding from the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) Awards, which is administered by the U.S. Maritime Administration to fund projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods into, out of, around, or within a port. These awards are funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under the FY22 Consolidated Appropriations Act.


"This federal investment will have positive ripple effects throughout the Pacific Northwest," said Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold. "The pavement and electrical improvements made possible through the DOT grant will improve operational conditions and increase the efficiency, productivity, and safety of cargo handling throughout the Port's Terminal 6 -- Oregon's only marine container terminal. Perhaps most significantly, the grant will allow us to reduce our impact on the environment and ensure that those whose livelihood depends on trade, especially those in rural communities, will continue to have access to national and global markets."


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