FTA Approves Preliminary Engineering
The region's 5th MAX line will create up to 12,300 jobs
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved TriMet's entry into Preliminary Engineering (PE) for the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project, a major milestone for the project. PE approval means TriMet can bring the project design from 10 percent to 30 percent, and that costs related to the design work will be paid for by the project.
The 7.3-mile MAX line between Portland State University in downtown Portland and Oak Grove in north Clackamas County will create up to 12,300 jobs and generate up to $490 million in personal earnings between now and the beginning of light rail service in 2015. With PE approval, TriMet will move ahead with many project activities, including:
- Securing experienced project construction management staff
- Entering the design phase for the new Willamette River transit bridge
- Development of a utility relocation plan
Future Project Milestones
As the PE progresses, the FTA will continue to evaluate the project before granting it approval to enter the Final Design phase. Future milestones include:
- 2010: Final Environmental Impact Statement completed by Metro
- 2010: Record of Decision issued by FTA, certifying compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- 2010–2012: Final Design phase (moving project design from 30 percent to 100 percent)
- 2012: Full Funding Grant Agreement
- 2011–2015: Construction
- 2015: Light rail service begins
How it impacts TriMet's budget
The Portland-Milwaukie project funds are a combination of federal, state and local funds and cannot be used to offset the agency's budget shortfall of more than $20 million. Federal funding is expected to cover 50-60 percent of the light rail project.
