A proposed rail line would run from downtown Portland, Oregon, to the suburbs. The budget has increased significantly, and many funding and project scope questions remain.
"Projected costs for TriMet’s next light rail project have increased by nearly half a billion dollars, creating a new budget gap that TriMet officials are optimistic can be addressed, but has raised alarm bells for some suburban leaders," writes Andrew Theen.
The planned line would be a 12-mile, 13-station route running from downtown Portland along a southwest corridor. The project cost has increased to $2.87 billion, an increase of about $462 million, notes Theen.
Officials in suburban districts say they will not support the project if the route is shortened or vehicle travel lanes are removed on Barbur Boulevard, a main thoroughfare, to cut project costs. Other options include eliminating some of the project’s park-and-ride lots or stations and using battery-electric trains instead of vehicles that require overhead equipment.
Theen says that the Metro Council has just $50 million of federal funds secured for the project. "The region will seek $1.25 billion from the Federal Transit Administration and will ask voters to contribute $850 million at the November 2020 ballot box. The state, city of Portland, TriMet and Washington County are all expected to contribute significantly as well, but the precise funding sources and firm commitments are still months away."
FULL STORY: Barbur light rail project faces $462 million funding gap, tough decisions loom
Transit Planner Speaks Out Against Slashing Bus Service
A Portland transit planner from the days when buses were the primary means of getting around says the system is headed in the wrong direction and service is declining.
Ridership Numbers Below Target on Portland's One-Year-Old Orange Line
Eliot Njus reports on underwhelming ridership figures for the MAX Orange Line light rail service between Portland and Milwaukie. "Forecasts used to help justify federal funding for the project called for 17,000 average weekday trips in 2016. The
Here Comes Portland's New Orange Line
TriMet will get a new addition to its rail system later this month, when it opens the new Orange Line.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions