The mayor of Portland announced there would be no more discussions about a local solution to funding infrastructure while the state legislature addresses transportation issues.
BY JACOB PALMER | OB DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
The mayor of Portland announced there would be no more discussions about a local solution to funding infrastructure while the state legislature addresses transportation issues.
The Portland Tribune wrote the controversial plan will not be going to an advisory ballot as previously reported.
“Today, I am announcing a pause in our local efforts to fund our streets and safety projects within the City of Portland,” Hales said in a late Thursday press release. “Over the past week, I have had conversations with Speaker of the House Tina Kotek and with Gov. John Kitzhaber. They have each assured me that a statewide transportation package is a top priority for them this legislative session.”
Sandra McDonough, President and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance, praised the decision: “We appreciate the city getting behind a statewide transportation package, which is one of our top priorities,” says McDonough, whose organization had opposed a progressive personal income tax proposed by Hales and Novick as part of the fee.
A lane was closed on the Morrison Bridge after cracks were discovered hours before Hales’ announcement was made.
The bridge will be closed Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for inspections.
According to Pullen, the closures are related to problems with lift span deck panels made of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) that were installed in 2011 and 2012. The panels showed signs of deterioration soon after being installed in a project that replaced the original open steel grating deck. An inspection of the FRP deck in the north lane this week identified several areas that showed significant deterioration, including cracks, since the last inspection in late November.
The lane closure will allow repairs that will add support to the panels. Other areas of the closed lane will be investigated during the closure, which could lead to additional repairs.
Read more at the Portland Tribune.
