From Gravel to Green: The SW Texas Street Improvement Project

Before

 Commissioner Sam Adams joined staff from both the Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Office of Transportation, as well as community stakeholders in recognizing the newest green streets in Portland, SW Texas Street and its intersecting streets from SW 26th to 29th Avenue.

After

The SW Texas Green Street Local Improvement District project greatly enhances the safety, access and livability of the neighborhood by improving the gravel streets to sustainable, paved streets with new curbs, sidewalks and green stormwater management infrastructure.

"This project has turned a problem into an asset," said nearby property owner Rick Meigs. The slope of the streets and gravel surface had previously led to increased erosion and forced stormwater into residents' yards and basements. The new green streets prevent excess water from pooling on residents' property and guides overflow into swales and a restored wetland at the bottom of the hill.

Celebrating Portland's Newest Green StreetThe recently restored wetland provides a natural filtering system for Stephens Creek, an education tool for local classrooms and a wildlife sanctuary. Laura Eckstein, a student at the Portland Jewish Academy recalled seeing a Blue Heron in the wetland. "It showed me that even in a neighborhood there can be an ecosystem."

The new sustainable streets were possible due to a great partnership between property owners, Bureau of Environmental Services and the Portland Office of Transportation; they worked together to create a design that fits in with the neighborhood and addresses the larger community infrastructure needs.

A Wet Weather Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency also helped to fund the project. Commissioner Sam Adams extended a special thanks today to all of the property owners, recognizing their dedication to the project over the last 13 years, which helped to ensure the streets would be an asset to the community.

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