Federal Transit Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff presented a top honor to Metro and TriMet last week, pointing to the region as a leader in efficiency and inclusiveness. The Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project received the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes excellence in providing accessible, "truly useful" information to the public and decision-makers.
The federal agency recognized light rail project’s environmental impact statement as exemplary. The EIS details the benefits, impacts and costs of the project, as well as feedback from the public and stakeholders about the proposed MAX line. Metro and TriMet worked extensively with decision makers to bring stakeholders together around important community decisions.
From 2008 to 2010, the project included more than 225 public meetings and briefings, in addition to the meetings of standing committees, such as the project Citizens Advisory Committee.
When presenting the award last week the federal agency noted that the document distinguishes itself in a number of ways, highlighting its overall comprehensive public involvement approach, plain language and clear writing, easy-to-understand graphics and information about climate change. It exceeds conventional expectations by responding to every comment received during the public comment period, the administration said.
Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette traces her political roots as a neighborhood leader back to the early days of the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project.
"I am so proud of our efforts to make this project a success," Collette said. "This award reflects the value of public involvement at every level."
TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane was on hand to accept the award from Rogoff.
"This award underscores the great effort Metro, TriMet and our partners have put into ensuring the public has access to vital facts about the project," McFarlane said. "We’re gratified that these efforts have been recognized by the FTA."
The environmental impact statement was prepared by Metro and TriMet with key consultant assistance from Parametrix.
The 7.3-mile project is the region’s sixth MAX line and extends from Portland State University to South Waterfront, Southeast Portland, Milwaukie and Park Avenue in Clackamas County. The project includes 10 stations and the first bridge constructed over the Willamette River in more than 40 years. It will create up to 14,000 jobs and generate $573 million in personal earnings. Federal funds will pay for half of the $1.49 billion project, state and local partners are funding the balance. The line is set to open in September 2015.