July 3, 2007
Approval brings $345.4 million for 8.3-mile line
The I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail Project today reached its final federal approval stage. Administrator James Simpson of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) signed a contract to guarantee $345.4 million in federal funds for the 8.3-mile project. Federal funds are paying for 60 percent of the $575.7 million project.
The contract signing was celebrated by events in downtown Portland and Clackamas County with US Senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith, US Reps. Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Darlene Hooley and David Wu, along with other local elected officials and dignitaries.
“This contract means that we can continue our record of building award-winning rail projects"” said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. "Our federal partnership is critical to our success, and it’s a great milestone to celebrate."
"This project showcases the Portland region’s public transportation vision, provides solutions to relieve congestion and holds the promise of more jobs, more business, and a better way of life for thousands of Portland area residents," said Federal Transit Administrator James S. Simpson.
I-205/Portland Mall MAX Light Rail Project
TriMet's fifth MAX line will add light rail between Gateway Transit Center and Clackamas Town Center, and to 5th and 6th avenues in downtown Portland between Union Station and Portland State University (PSU). It is the first light rail extension into Clackamas County, it will serve the heart of downtown Portland and the busiest transit destination in the TriMet system - PSU. When it opens in September 2009, it will help revitalize the Mall and poise the region for future rail extensions.