| Press Release |
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| August 17, 2007 |
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Governor Kulongoski Opens New Lowell Streetcar Station
ConnectOregon funded the Portland Streetcar Lowell Street Extension
Portland – Governor Ted Kulongoski today rode an inaugural ride to the new Streetcar Lowell Street Station stop in Portland’s South Waterfront Project. The Lowell Street Station expansion was a partnership between the city, state and region and funded with $2.1 million in seed money from ConnectOregon – a program designed to improve Oregon airports, seaports, railways and public transit throughout the state.
“More and more of our economy depends on efficient and reliable travel and transportation,” said Governor Kulongoski. “We all must work together to create investments in transportation that will help grow our economy today and create stability for the future.”
The Governor introduced ConnectOregon in 2005 as a way to fund non-highway projects around the state. The original project included $100 million and funded over 40 projects around Oregon, including the Portland Streetcar Lowell Street Extension.
Earlier this month, the Governor traveled to the Medford Airport to sign ConnectOregon II, which will provide another $100 million for upgrades and expansions to air, rail, marine and public transportation systems.
At an earlier event in the morning, the Governor also held a ceremonial signing of House Bill 5036, which includes funding for a new 6.5-mile Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Line connecting downtown Portland to Milwaukie, where he committed to making transportation a priority for the 2009 legislative session.
“As we look to the 2009 legislative session, one of the most important issues facing the long-term economic prosperity and quality of life is our transportation system,” the Governor said. “I, like you, want to see Oregon on a path that will lead to better jobs, less congestion and a cleaner and more sustainable environment, which is why in the coming the months we must work together to develop a transportation plan that meets the needs of the 21st century.”
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Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor: 503.378.6169
Rem Nivens: 503.378.6496
Kristina Edmunson: 503.378.5040
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