Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to the City of Portland for the redevelopment of Pride Plaza.
The funding will support infrastructure and beautification upgrades to a significant anchor for pedestrian travel through downtown. These improvements, at the junction of SW Harvey Milk Street and West Burnside, between SW 12th Avenue and SW 10th Avenue, are the first stage of the larger plan to redevelop O’Bryant Square and the surrounding area. The area is notably part of the developing Green Loop, a 6-mile pedestrian corridor connecting people throughout the heart of the city. The City of Portland and its partners have designed Pride Plaza as an LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood gathering space with street art, public seating, community activities, and expanded space for businesses into the street.
“I deeply appreciate the Biden Administration’s support for the redevelopment of SW Portland’s Pride Plaza. This project is a win for making Portland safer and more livable for people living and working downtown, as well as visitors,” said Congressman Blumenauer, “It will also support small businesses which are still recovering from the pandemic. This grant ties the pieces together to accelerate downtown’s revitalization.”
“I am grateful that Pride Plaza will receive this significant funding from the Biden-Harris Administration to revitalize a central meeting spot in Portland,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “This investment will help create a more welcoming space for the people of Portland and others who visit the area. I look forward to the project’s completion and will continue advocating for the resources our community needs to help our city and its people and businesses thrive.”
Original source can be found here.
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