DOT awards funds for Cascades route

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Wednesday formally awarded $13.6 million to Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT) to modernize Portland Union Station, upgrade passenger rail service along Amtrak’s Cascades route, and continue further development of an integrated, statewide rail network.

“These investments will improve passenger and freight rail service in Oregon,” said LaHood (pictured at left). “By providing more efficient and reliable rail service, we are building a stronger economic future.”

About $4 million will fund preliminary engineering and environmental work for track replacement and expansion, facility upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disability Act, and energy conservation measures at Portland Union Station. ODOT will contribute $1 million to this project.

Roughly $1.3 million will support final design and construction of additional work on the station’s roof and other structural upgrades, coupled with a $5.9 million grant previously awarded by FRA for roof replacement.

About $4.2 million will fund draft and final environmental work and service planning to identify improvements for the Cascades route between Eugene, Ore., and Portland. ODOT will contribute $5.8 million for this phase of the project.

The Cascades Corridor runs north beyond Portland to serve Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Amtrak says ridership on the route increased 10% in fiscal year 2010.