City leaders push for urgent safety upgrades and funding

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed several key infrastructure projects and safety concerns affecting the community. One major topic was the ongoing updates to the emergency operations plan, which is expected to take six to twelve months. The team is currently collaborating with local cities, including Gresham, to streamline communication and planning efforts.

Another significant focus was the design and funding of the 223rd Bridge project, which is currently in the design phase and projected for construction in 2026. The estimated cost is approximately $2.6 million, with funding sourced from a $2 million grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation and an additional $600,000 from local resources. Officials emphasized the importance of addressing pedestrian safety, particularly for residents living north of the railroad overpass who must navigate busy roads to access public transportation.

Concerns were raised about increased traffic speeds on Fairview Lake Way, especially during school hours when children are waiting for buses. A new speed counter has been deployed to monitor traffic in the area, with plans to relocate it to Fairview Lake Way to gather more data on speeding incidents.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the need for maintenance and upgrades to community facilities, particularly the community center, which has suffered from deferred maintenance. Officials warned that budget discussions in February may reveal larger financial needs for facility improvements, as many areas are in disrepair, including exposed wiring and missing safety features.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's commitment to enhancing safety and infrastructure while addressing pressing maintenance issues.