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Multnomah County approves notice to seek up to $28 million in federal funds for Stark Street Bridge replacement
Summary
The board approved filing an FY26 USDOT Bridge Investment Program application for the Stark Street Bridge replacement; staff estimated the project could cost up to $35 million and that the grant request would be about $28 million with a 20% local match to come from the county road fund.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a notice of intent to apply for a FY26 USDOT Bridge Investment Program grant to replace the Stark Street Bridge.
Megan Neal, Engineering Services Manager in the Transportation Division, said preliminary estimates place the project cost at up to $35 million. The grant application would seek about $28 million for construction; the county would provide a 20% local match from its road fund, which includes gas-tax and state highway revenues.
Neal described the work to date: an environmental review to evaluate alternatives, robust public outreach that has collected more than 400 survey responses so far, and analysis of options including preserving or reusing the existing structure. She told commissioners that if awarded, funds would be budgeted in future fiscal years and that the county is coordinating community engagement, freight outreach and equity-priority-community engagement.
One public commenter, Lightning, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of federal funds and urged a moratorium on gas taxes and refunds; county staff did not accept that claim and proceeded with questions from commissioners about equity outreach and freight engagement.
After discussion about engagement and design, the board approved the notice of intent to apply. Commissioners said they would continue engagement with local partners and freight stakeholders as the project advances.
