Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland leaders and regional officials braved blustery November weather to celebrate the first of what may be many infrastructure projects. April Baer reports the street improvement project is notable for its location -- in an often-neglected part of town. 

Sam Adams: “Yes folks, ornamental street lights have come to east Portland, and it’s about time.”

City Commissioner Sam Adams is only partly joking. It’s no secret neighborhoods on the outer east side of Portland have received fewer public improvements in recent years than their close-in counterparts.

Regional leaders like Metro Councilman Robert Liberty say this new project is part of a new commitment.

Liberty: “I believe and I think everyone here believes that Gateway’s time and East Portland’s time is now.”

In addition to the lighting, the project created wider sidewalks and a storm water control system.

State planners say the improvements wouldn’t have been possible without help from the Oregon Congressional delegation.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer  hopes more money for infrastructure projects may be available in coming months, as Congress considers a year-end economic stimulus package.