Light Rail An Expected Economic Boon In Oregon

"TriMet, the transportation authority for metropolitan Portland, Oregon, estimates the $557 million project will roll in 7,600 jobs during construction, which begins in full next year and is expected to continue until the line opens in September 2009."

"By 2025, about 46,500 people are expected to board light rail every day between Clackamas Town Center and downtown Portland. About a third of those riders will travel within the section of the light-rail track that runs along I-205."

"In all, Portland-area light-rail lines have resulted in $6 billion of development within walking distance -- less than half a mile -- of MAX stations, said Mary Fetsch, a TriMet spokeswoman."