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Multnomah County approves notice to seek USDOT Bridge Investment grant for Stark Street Bridge replacement
Summary
The board approved a notice of intent to apply for an FY26 USDOT Bridge Investment Program grant to replace the Stark Street Bridge; staff estimated the project could cost up to $35 million with a 20% local match to be funded from the county road fund.
The Multnomah County Board approved staff’s notice of intent to apply for an FY26 USDOT Bridge Investment Program grant to support the Stark Street Bridge Replacement Project. Megan Neal, Engineering Services Manager in the county Transportation Division, said the early cost estimate is up to $35 million and the grant application would request federal funds with a 20% local match requirement (approximately $7 million). The county’s match would come from the road fund, which collects gas tax and state highway revenues; staff said any awarded funds would be budgeted in future fiscal years.
Neal described the project as currently in environmental review and public engagement phases, with more than 400 survey responses returned and outreach to local partners and advisory committees underway. She also said staff is considering design options that could preserve or reuse the existing structure in some form while improving resilience and safety.
Public testimony included skepticism from a commenter about the availability of federal grant money. Commissioners asked about equity‑priority community engagement and freight interests; several expressed support for the application and encouraged continued outreach to partners. The board approved the notice of intent.
What happens next: Staff will prepare the formal USDOT grant application and refine project scope, outreach plans, and match budgeting.
