Feds send 15M to Warm Springs highway safety projects
Federal lawmakers have announced a substantial investment of nearly $43 million for transportation infrastructure projects throughout Oregon, with a significant portion, $15 million, earmarked for safety improvements on U. S. Highway 26 in the Warm Springs Reservation. This funding is part of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs’ Commercial Corridor Safety Project, which aims to implement crucial enhancements such as speed reduction measures, a new roundabout, and a multi-use path. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been credited with enabling this funding, which also supports other initiatives, including $25 million for TriMet to create a zero-emissions bus base in Portland and $2.
7 million for redevelopment in Salem. Recent statistics from the Oregon Department of Transportation highlight a concerning trend of increased fatalities in car crashes across the state, particularly on the rural stretch of Highway 26, which saw a record number of accidents in 2022. The lawmakers, including Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, advocate that these infrastructure upgrades will not only enhance safety but also create good-paying jobs in communities in need. They stress that modernizing transportation systems is essential for the well-being of all Oregonians. The funding will be distributed through the RAISE grant program, aimed at improving roads, railways, and transit systems.
Overall, this initiative represents a critical step towards improving highway safety and encouraging economic growth in the region.