Trimess

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

PORTLAND (not Trimet?) GETS MORE FEDERAL $$$$$$$$$$$!!!

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood also announced that Portland would receive another $10.2 million in federal transit system grants. The grants will supply buses and light-rail trains for the area.

“President Obama’s vision for winning the future by out-building and out-innovating the rest of the world is coming to life right here in Portland,” LaHood said. “The Department of Transportation’s ... grant award will reduce congestion, provide new pedestrian and bicycle opportunities, and provide streetcar service that will encourage economic development and connect residents with the city’s central business district.”

Very Strange statement, but the keywords are ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Not provide transit that people need. Is there any actual evidence that there is real economic development happening as a result of all this? I don't see it, we still have one of the highest rates of unemployment in the country and more people on food stamps per capita.

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