April 08, 2022

Wyden, Merkley: $153 Million to Oregon for Largest Ever Federal Investment in Transit

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this week announced a $153 million investment in Oregon transit, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The apportionment of these dollars represents the largest-ever investment in transit, giving riders better service while creating good-paying jobs in Oregon and nationwide.

“A federal investment in transit systems is critical for Oregonians to get easily from Point A to Point B when they’re commuting to work, heading to school, running errands and more,” Wyden said. “These resources helping transit riders in Eugene, Salem and Portland also combat climate change by supporting mass transit options while generating good-paying Oregon jobs in the process.”

“Our public transportation systems keep Oregonians connected and have kept vital services within reach for all our communities,” said Merkley. “This federal funding will help make our transit districts stronger, support good paying jobs, and help cut down on toxic air pollution and improve public health. I’ll continue working to ensure that all transit systems across Oregon have the resources they need to keep our communities connected and transport Oregonians where they need to go safely and efficiently.”

The funding increases authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Wyden and Merkley supported, allows transit agencies to buy new buses and railcars, address their repair backlogs, modernize their fleets, and make the transition to new technologies to address the climate crisis. These upgrades will support the expansion of U.S. manufacturing due to Buy America requirements that apply to steel, iron and other materials used in public transportation projects that receive federal assistance. Oregon’s $153 million has been apportioned to municipal transit authorities as follows:

  • $6.25 million to Salem
  • $13 million to Eugene
  • $104 million to Portland
  • $30 million to transit authorities around the state including Albany, Corvallis, and Bend as well as Washington-based transit authorities including Longview and Walla Walla that also have service to Oregon communities.

“Every day, transit connects millions of Americans to jobs, schools, groceries, hospitals, resources, and countless other opportunities – all while helping to reduce pollution, congestion, and traffic,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “Now, thanks to the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are making the largest investment in public transit in our nation’s history.”

“As a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Cherriots will see an increase of about 28 percent in its federal transportation funding,” said Cherriots General Manager Allan Pollock. “This will allow us to accelerate infrastructure improvements as we transition to a zero emission bus fleet in the coming years.”