July 20, 2023

Oregon Delegation Members Announce Transportation Grant for 82nd Avenue

PORTLAND, OR – Today, members of the Oregon Congressional delegation announced that TriMet’s 82nd Avenue Transit Project is receiving a $630,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration. The award follows a visit to 82nd Avenue by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg this month. Buttigieg joined Representative Blumenauer, Senator Merkley, TriMet representatives and local stakeholders for an 82nd Avenue bus tour where he saw first-hand the opportunities for improvement.  

82nd Avenue holds some of the highest concentrations of BIPOC communities in Oregon. The area serves limited English proficiency speakers and high concentrations of low-income communities. It contains seven census tracts identified as areas of persistent poverty by the U.S. Department of Transportation and car ownership is lower than the regional average through much of the corridor. 

The grant is part of the FTA’s Areas of Persistent Poverty (AOPP) program. Funding will be used to improve transit safety and access on 82nd Avenue, analyze the use of zero-emissions buses, and assess additional infrastructure enhancements to support high-capacity transit service throughout the corridor.  

“This is just the beginning,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer, “We have 7 miles of opportunity and challenge on 82nd Avenue—the case for investment is ripe. The community is uniting behind a shared vision for a better future, and they are starting to see that it is possible.”  

“Portlanders living and working on the east side know 82nd Avenue is a busy corridor requiring dependable transit options for people who can’t afford a car or would rather not drive, while also building a better quality of life in our city,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I’m glad this federal investment is en route to this key transportation artery so TriMet can continue providing every opportunity for Portlanders to get around easily and safely.” 

“Exciting improvements are moving forward for the 82nd Avenue Corridor!" said Sen Merkley. "This funding will support continued efforts to improve accessibility and safety for walkers, cyclists, and drivers alike and better serve the diverse communities who call the area home.”

“Many Oregonians rely on consistent and reliable public transportation along this corridor, with car ownership being lower than the regional average. Families living here rely on the bus system to travel to work, school, and other destinations at a low cost. I’m glad the FTA has awarded this grant upon our request. It’s a critical investment that will cut down trip times and improve reliability – making it easier for Oregonians to get where they need to be,” Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. 

“While 82nd Avenue has become a relic of an orphaned highway, there is so much potential for its future and the people who rely on it,” said TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. “Through dedicated federal support, TriMet and our regional partners have the opportunity to transform 82nd into a safe, vibrant, thriving corridor, featuring faster, more reliable transit mirrored after our TriMet FX™ service on Division Street. I appreciate Rep. Blumenauer’s unwavering leadership and support for our community and for transit, and I thank Sec. Buttigieg and the FTA for this important grant.” 

 

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