How Oregon is spending federal infrastructure dollars
The federal government has announced $6.5 billion in funds toward Oregon infrastructure projects. Most of these funds are going toward transportation projects, at 52.2%, which this analysis will cover more thoroughly in the next section.
Unsurprisingly, Multnomah County received the most federal funding in the state at $848.5 million—though that only includes projects where White House data specified the county, leaving out billions of dollars across hundreds of projects.
Some of the largest non-transportation projects in Oregon were funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment Program; the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program; the Program Upgrading Our Electric Grid and Ensuring Reliability and Resiliency; and others.
Transportation projects dominate overall infrastructure funding allocations, according to the data. Just over half of federal dollars announced so far are geared toward transportation projects across the country. Within the category, most funding has been doled out to build, repair, or modernize roads, bridges, and other major projects. The same is true in Oregon, where 66.8% of transportation funds are going toward these.
Some projects hit on several funding targets. For instance, the proposal to replace the bridge connecting Washington and Oregon via I-5 has received $2.1 billion in federal grants, and project planners expect they could receive another $1 billion. Parts of the existing bridge are over 100 years old, and the structures are at risk of collapsing in an earthquake. The new bridge is expected to implement new safety features, add auxiliary lanes, and expand public transit and active transportation options.
Some initiatives, like the National Highway Performance Program and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, provided specific allocations to states to invest in broad categories. Others were awarded through applications for more specific expansion or repair projects. A few of the large titled projects in Oregon include:
- $62 million in Operation and Maintenance (No-Year) funding for the Tillamook Bay & Bar, OR
- $39 million in Low or No Emission (Bus) Grants funding for the Zero-Emission Buses and Resiliency for TriMets 82nd Avenue Transit Project
- $25 million in Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants funding for the Port Infrastructure Development Program Grants - Port of Astoria
This is a snapshot of allocations as of July, but new projects are announced every couple of weeks. With so much funding going into the nation's infrastructure, residents are likely to encounter working crews and new features wherever they travel—whether driving, by plane, on public transit, or otherwise—for years to come. Lawmakers hope that these efforts will modernize the nation, enhance safety and resilience, all the while creating jobs and boosting American industries.
This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.