2 • The Southwest Portland Post
NEWS
February 2018
Design plans for light rail line in limbo due to delays in the funding process
SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR PLAN
By Erik Vidstrand
The Southwest Portland Post
The Southwest Corridor commu-
nity advisory committee gathered
in mid-January at the Multnomah
Arts Center. Neighbors and business
owners packed the small classroom
and provided brief public comments
before the committee was briefed on
the latest updates.
Southwest Trails president Don
Baack was one those who comment-
ed. He had emailed the committee
about a scenario if highway tolls on
Interstate 5 become a reality.
“If this happens,” Baack said, “con-
gestion may increase on Barbur Bou-
levard and push increased overflow
traffic in to the Hillsdale community.
This will affect the light rail project
no doubt.”
Chris Ford, Metro project manager,
did acknowledge the anxiety and
that design plans are in limbo due to
delays in the funding process.
Ford explained that there would
not be a $1.7 billion transportation
bond measure on the 2018 ballot
sponsored by TriMet.
Instead, the lead would now be
Metro and the regional government
would introduce a November 2020
bond measure.
“This does not affect decisions or
our process,” Ford said, “however,
this committee will most likely wrap
up by summer.”
Linda Moholt, representing Tu-
alatin Chamber of Commerce, asked
what happens if voters reject the
measure to fund the corridor. Ford
said that the feds could say no to the
project even if the bond passes.
“Construction would now poten-
tially begin in 2023 instead of 2021,”
Ford said, “with opening of the line
by 2027.”
Ford reminded everyone that the
previous MAX lines each endured a
20-year process.
Staff then introduced Heather
Wills, a consultant with Parametrix,
a multidisciplinary agency that
provides services in transportation,
environmental planning, and com-
munity building. Wills spent the rest
of the evening providing the com-
mittee with the various topics of the
federally-required environmental re-
view process which produce a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement.
“The National Environmental
Policy Act [enacted in 1970] holds
federal agencies accountable for
their actions,” Wills said. “Before
this act, there was no opportunity
for the public to comment on large
infrastructure projects.”
Wills explained that when In-
terstate 5 was built in Portland, it
divided communities in Portland
and there was no community in-
volvement.
“The DEIS is a decision tool,” said
Wills. “Preferences are value-based
like bike paths, sidewalks, and wet-
lands. The final document will be
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a 150-page document
with appendices.”
Wills explained that
the analysis will look
at air quality, geology,
and soils including seis-
mic vulnerabilities. The
statement is expected
to take into account the
entire project footprint
including land needed
to store supplies and
equipment.
“Land use will be re-
viewed within half a
mile of the route,” Wills
said. “This includes look-
ing at parks, trails, access
to trails, schools, and
community gardens.”
A committee member
asked if there would be
Ecosystem surveys were conducted last year assessing
zoning changes.
soil, wetlands, and geology in planning for the future
“It would be trans- light rail line. (Photo courtesy of Metro)
ferred to a transporta-
tion conversion land-use
seniors, people with disabilities, and
zone,” Wills said.
property and home displacements.
Other items being considered are
Wills said specific issues cannot be
hazardous materials, ecosystems
solved for each displacement, though,
including fish, endangered species,
and will be aggregated with all the
wetlands, culverts, steams, and water
necessary displacements.
runoff. Utilities will need relocation.
Ford explained next steps.
The statement will address rider
“The good news is that you are go-
forecasts until 2035, bicycle-pedes-
ing to get a lot of information.” Ford
trian connections, freight routes,
said. “The bad news is that you are
and emergency response. It is also
going to get a lot of information.”
expected to address noise sources
Ford said the advisory committee’s
such as wheel squeal, track crossings,
role is to recommend the route and
warning bells, the actual train, and
the locally preferred alternative, but
vibration.
not station locations.
“Noise is also measured during
“There could be other committees
construction,” Wills said. “Builders
to sit on down the line,” said Eryn
will disclose construction hours.”
Kehe, Metro senior communications
Wills explained visual quality,
specialist who facilitates each meet-
viewer sensitivity, safety, and secu-
ing.
rity components including areas of
Metro and TriMet will complete the
isolation and crime.
draft environmental impact statement
“The DEIS also looks at dispropor-
in the next few months. Comments on
tionate impacts on low-income and
the study and the route proposal can
minority communities,” Wills said.
be shared at meetings, online, email,
“The Federal Transit Administration
or through letters once the 45-day
wants to have a robust review of en-
comment period begins.
vironmental justice issues.”
After comments are collected, the
Finally, the impact on the com-
munity analysis will take in mind
(Continued on Page 6)
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