Federal government honors Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project
October 12, 2011
Peter Rogoff, head of the Federal Transit Administration, presented a top honor to Metro and TriMet last week, pointing to the region as a leader in efficiency and inclusiveness. The light rail project received the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes excellence in providing accessible, "truly useful" information to the public and decision-makers.
The federal agency held up the light rail project's documentation—called an environmental impact statement—as exemplary. The document represents the public process that laid the groundwork for the new MAX line. The project worked extensively with decision-makers to bring stakeholders together around significant community decisions. In addition to standing public meetings, such as the Citizens Advisory Committee, the project held over 225 public meetings and briefings between 2008 and 2010.
The environmental impact statement details the benefits, impacts and costs of the project in a clear, concise publication meant to be easily understood by the public and stakeholders. When presenting the award this week, the FTA noted that the document "distinguishes itself in a number of ways," highlighting its overall "comprehensive public involvement approach, plain language and clear writing," easy to understand graphics and inclusion of climate change information. It exceeds conventional expectations by responding to every comment received during the public comment period.
Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette traces her political roots as a neighborhood leader back to the early days of the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project. She said, "I am so proud of our efforts to make this project a success. This award reflects the value of public involvement at every level."
"This award underscores the great effort Metro, TriMet and our partners have put into ensuring the public has access to vital facts about the project," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "We're gratified that these efforts have been recognized by the FTA."
The environmental impact statement was prepared by Metro and TriMet with key consultant assistance from Parametrix.
About the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project
The 7.3-mile project is the region's sixth MAX line to be built and extends from the terminus of the MAX Green and Yellow lines at Portland State University to South Waterfront, Southeast Portland, Milwaukie and Park Avenue in Clackamas County. The project includes 10 stations and the first bridge constructed over the Willamette River in more than 40 years. It will create up to 14,000 jobs and generate $573 million in personal earnings. Federal funds will pay for half of the $1.49 billion project, state and local partners are funding the balance. TriMet's share is less than 5 percent of the project budget and will not be needed until 2013. The line is set to open in September 2015.
Project partners
Clackamas County, Metro, City of Milwaukie, Multnomah County, City of Oregon City, Oregon Department of Transportation, City of Portland, Portland Development Commission and TriMet.
For more information about the project, please visit trimet.org/pm.