State officials have taken a significant step forward for the Rose Quarter mega project, approving preliminary construction to commence on August 25, despite acknowledging a substantial funding shortfall.
The Oregon Department of Transportation officials indicated that the initial phase focuses on enhancing road and bridge infrastructure and upgrading stormwater treatment systems in the central Portland area.
The Oregon Transportation Commission, which oversees the state’s transportation initiatives, unanimously voted to allow the Oregon Department of Transportation to begin groundwork on this ambitious project, designed to widen and cap a portion of Interstate 5.
This endeavor aims to significantly enhance local transportation infrastructure, although several commissioners noted the funding challenge with less than $500 million secured for a project that could surpass $2 billion in total costs.
Commission Chair Julie Brown underscored the urgency to proceed with preliminary work, emphasizing that halting progress could lead to increased costs in the future and potentially damage trust with community stakeholders.
“I really feel strongly that we need to move forward with (preliminary construction), but with that said, everyone in this room needs to understand that beyond that, there is no money,” Brown stated, highlighting the necessity of collaboration to secure additional funding.
While state lawmakers will ultimately determine the allocation of funds required for the remainder of the project, the situation remains uncertain.
A proposal that included funding for the megaproject collapsed during this year’s legislative session, leaving advocates and officials to wonder if it could be revived in the future.
The financial landscape is particularly challenging, with estimates suggesting that the total price tag of the project could exceed $2 billion.
Recent years have seen significant increases in costs due to an expanded scope and economic factors, including surging inflation rates and the rising costs of materials and labor.
In a more recent agency presentation, officials revealed that they had managed to secure approximately $450 million from various local, state, and federal sources.
State lawmakers recently concluded a session without securing additional funding for the project, prompting Governor Tina Kotek to announce plans for a special session in August.
However, she indicated that funding for megaprojects like the Rose Quarter may not be included in the proposals for next month.
Adding to the project’s challenges, the federal government recently rescinded a significant portion of a $450 million federal grant that was awarded last year, primarily due to stipulations in President Donald Trump’s landmark legislation.
This retraction was a substantial setback for advocates pushing for freeway caps, who had heavily promoted the grant.
Despite lingering funding concerns, advocates for the project urged officials not to postpone construction.
The freeway caps remain a prioritized issue for several community groups, such as Albina Vision Trust, which seeks to restore and reconnect Black communities in an area that historically served as the center for Portland’s Black population.
“I came here today to remind you that the reconnection of a community torn asunder can and will not happen if we continue kicking the can down the road,” asserted J.T. Flowers, director of government affairs and communications for Albina Vision Trust.
Conversely, environmentalists have expressed opposition to the widening of the freeways, arguing it would harm local ecosystems and exacerbate pollution without effectively alleviating congestion.
Critics have also condemned the Oregon Department of Transportation for allowing costs on other projects to soar over recent years.
Some opponents called on commissioners to reconsider the necessity of freeway widening before moving forward with funding, as they question whether this expansion is indeed a necessary step towards constructing the roadway covers.
“I think this would be an appropriate time for you to take a pause, go back and reexamine the purpose,” voiced Chris Smith, a vocal opponent of the freeway expansion efforts.
In response, commissioners highlighted that certain federal funds earmarked for the project are specifically designated for construction, indicating that some of the stormwater and safety upgrades planned for the initial phase would still provide benefits, regardless of whether the entire project progresses.
Commissioner Alicia Chapman emphasized that deferring the project could damage relationships between the Oregon Department of Transportation and contractors, possibly deterring firms from future engagements with the state.
“There’s a cost to trust, and this is a cost that we’re passing on to every future project,” Chapman elaborated.
She expressed grave concern over the repercussions of reneging on preliminary construction plans.
As state officials push forward with the preliminary construction phase despite unresolved funding issues, the complexities surrounding the Rose Quarter project remain a focal point for various stakeholders.
The future timeline and viability of the complete project will be heavily dependent on the state’s ability to secure sufficient funding, as both community advocates and environmentalists continue to shape the conversation around this transformative initiative.
image source from：oregonlive
