Aid will help residents improve property values, give families learning options
The Metro Council has delivered North Portland residents a $23,000 grants package earmarked for neighborhood improvements. Funds will go to organizations delivering food and home furnishings to local residents, projects reducing public demand on energy resources and programs ensuring access to a safe, healthy environment.
"We're making the best of the economic situation by maintaining and enhancing some existing community programs that will help make neighborhoods safer and more livable," said Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder, chair of Metro's North Portland grant selection committee and whose district includes North and Northwest Portland. "We gave special consideration to applicants with matching funds and partnerships that leverage other support," he added.
The North Portland fund was created from a 50-cent surcharge imposed on each ton of garbage disposed of at the now-closed St. Johns landfill. Today, interest generated on the fund supports the grant program. Projects must directly benefit residents or neighborhoods around the facility, including Arbor Lodge, Cathedral Park, Kenton, Overlook, Portsmouth, St. Johns and University Park.
"People on the ground in our neighborhoods are the best source of ideas about important public investments," said Mike Salvo, one of seven local activists that work with Burkholder to review and select projects to fund. "Metro's process gives local residents the authority to make decisions about these community improvement grants" he added.
The 2010-11 grant cycle marks the 23rd year Metro has invested funds in the community through the North Portland enhancement program. In that time, more than $2.2 million has been awarded to help fund 453 neighborhood improvement projects.