Last week Metro Council sent voters a regional transportation investment measure known as Get Moving 2020, that would be the largest-ever investment in greater Portland’s transportation system. The measure includes a new MAX line to Tualatin, a connected regional rapid bus network, a transit youth pass program, repair and replacement of bridges, complete sidewalks and pedestrian crossings on major roads, and upgrades for thousands of traffic signals and streetlights in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. . . and the following investments in regional trails!
Council Creek Trail connecting Hillsboro and Forest Grove
Planning for NE Alderwood to NE Killingsworth Path
I-84 Path connections at Fremont St. and at 181st Ave
Trolley Trail Bridge over Clackamas River.
As well as a $9 million annual investment in Regional Walking and Biking Connections defined as:
Pedestrian and bicycle bridges over major roads, waterways and other barriers
Paved trails
Bikeways protected from vehicle traffic.
In addition to the roughly $5 billion proposed for project and programs investments in the Get Moving 2020 plan, the plan is expected to draw an additional $2.8 billion in federal, state and local funds. A recent analysis says this investment could create at least 37,500 jobs.
If approved by voters this November, the measure will be funded through a tax paid by businesses on up to 0.75% of their total wages paid in the Metro region beginning in 2022. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees, as well as state and local governments, would be exempt from the tax.
The Oregon Trails Coalition gives our deep thanks to all of the trails advocates who made your voices heard during the process in support of trails investments. We didn't get everything we asked for, but not one of the investments outlined above were in the original draft project lists we saw for the measure. Oregon Trails Coalition members submitted letters, provided public testimony, and met individually with Metro Councilors, and we made a difference!
We also thank our fellow members of the Getting There Together Coalition for all of their work toward a just measure that meets the region's climate and racial equity goals.
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