Metro responds to comments on the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project in the recently released Final Environmental Impact Statement.
As the steward of public investment in our transit network, Metro adheres to guidelines that are designed to protect local communities and the environment when projects like MAX are built and operated. These same rules also create a process for public input.
Before regional decision-makers made a commitment to the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project, they were able to consider the opinions and ideas offered by the 283 people who participated in the public comment period in spring 2008. With a regional decision to move the project forward, a more detailed analysis of impacts and benefits culminates in the Final Environmental Impact Statement, which was released on Oct. 22. Public comments informed the final analysis and conclusions, and they are contained in full in the Final EIS with detailed responses.
According to recent public opinion research from Davis Hibbitts & Midghall, MAX is the most cited example of good public investment. The Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project will build on this community asset, extending MAX service to new areas in the region. The new MAX line, the largest federal investment in the region, will serve communities in North Clackamas County, Southeast Portland, South Waterfront and downtown Portland. The project is expected to bring $745 million in federal light rail money to the region and generate up to 14,000 jobs. It will connect Portland State University in downtown Portland, the growing South Waterfront, inner Southeast Portland, Milwaukie and north Clackamas County. It also makes critical connections to the pedestrian and bike network, including a station and bike parking at the Springwater Corridor Trail near McLoughlin Boulevard.
As the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project progresses, there will continue to be opportunities to offer input and learn more, including regular meetings of the Citizens Advisory Committee. Stay involved as we develop the next member of our region's sustainable transportation network.