We were pleased to host FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff here in Portland over the last two days. He was here to kick-off and attend the first ‘Streetcar Roundtable’ – we co-hosted the event with the City of Portland. It drew 55 city, transit district, and federal officials to share best practices in streetcar development.
One of the highlights was a tour and ‘opening’ celebration for the reconstruction of Moody Street in South Waterfront. Construction cranes and hard hats were evidence of the rapid change that District will see. The Oregon university system is developing a 265,000 square foot ‘collaborative life sciences building’ right at the future intersection of the Portland to Milwaukie light rail line, streetcar, our north south buses (now the 35 and 36), and our future bus lines using the PMLR bridge (9,17, 19). The cranes supporting the construction of the bridge was part of the scene. The new Moody is the kind of ‘complete’ street we’ll see more of in the region’s future. It includes a cycle track, pedestrian way, streetcar, and auto lanes. Nice design – and good for transit.
In meeting with the Administrator, we reviewed the status of the PMLR project, CRC, and our growing ridership. He told me personally what he later said at the Moody Street event regarding the PMLR – “ …the money is on its way." Message couldn’t get better than that.
I want to offer special thanks to the community relations team, particularly the staff in Ann Becklund’s department (but others as well), for the great effort in co-hosting the roundtable. Their efforts made us look good once again to a national audience – and key stakeholders and funders.
One of the highlights was a tour and ‘opening’ celebration for the reconstruction of Moody Street in South Waterfront. Construction cranes and hard hats were evidence of the rapid change that District will see. The Oregon university system is developing a 265,000 square foot ‘collaborative life sciences building’ right at the future intersection of the Portland to Milwaukie light rail line, streetcar, our north south buses (now the 35 and 36), and our future bus lines using the PMLR bridge (9,17, 19). The cranes supporting the construction of the bridge was part of the scene. The new Moody is the kind of ‘complete’ street we’ll see more of in the region’s future. It includes a cycle track, pedestrian way, streetcar, and auto lanes. Nice design – and good for transit.
In meeting with the Administrator, we reviewed the status of the PMLR project, CRC, and our growing ridership. He told me personally what he later said at the Moody Street event regarding the PMLR – “ …the money is on its way." Message couldn’t get better than that.
I want to offer special thanks to the community relations team, particularly the staff in Ann Becklund’s department (but others as well), for the great effort in co-hosting the roundtable. Their efforts made us look good once again to a national audience – and key stakeholders and funders.
Great job all!
Neil
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