The US Department of Transportation has awarded the Port of Portland $24,360,000 to make infrastructure improvements and upgrades.  Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced the funding Monday, saying ports are crucial to the economy.

 

“Ports are a crucial part of keeping the economies of Oregon and the Northwest moving smoothly, and we rely on them to move goods throughout our region and export our amazing Oregon products around the world,” said Senator Merkley. “This funding will provide crucial support to the Port of Portland to improve their existing infrastructure and bolster their efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations.”

 

“Portland’s airport has grown so much in the past few years—in size as well as commitment to sustainable practices,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified to see these dollars go toward strengthening some of the base structures that keep the Port of Portland running smoothly while also doing more to meet the Port’s sustainability goals by lowering emissions.” 

 

Port of Portland’s Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said the grant will pay for pavement and electrical upgrades to improve operational conditions and increase efficiency, productivity and safety of cargo handling at Oregon’s only marine container terminal. 

 

"This federal investment will have positive ripple effects throughout the Pacific Northwest," Robinhold noted. "The pavement and electrical improvements made possible through the DOT grant will improve operational conditions and increase the efficiency, productivity, and safety of cargo handling throughout the Port's Terminal 6 -- Oregon's only marine container terminal. Perhaps most significantly, the grant will allow us to reduce our impact on the environment and ensure that those whose livelihood depends on trade, especially those in rural communities, will continue to have access to national and global markets."

 

These awards are funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under the FY22 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

 

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