Portland Green StreetThanks to leadership by Congressman David Wu, a new bill has passed through the House Science and Technology Committee to expand funding for green streets [0] research throughout Portland and the rest of the country.
H.R. 5161, also known as The Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, will authorize research and educational programs on green infrastructure, such as bioswales, curb extensions, and sidewalk planters, which catch and filter runoff, naturally removing pollutants and recharging groundwater. This bill will fund research and educational programs at select University Transportation Centers, such as the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC), a partnership between Portland State University, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, and the Oregon Institute of Technology. Portland has won national praise for its innovative green streets designs that minimize the harmful effects of stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows. Currently there are over 600 green streets facilities throughout the city. Congressman David Wu, chair of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation for the House Science Committee, met with Sam in April [0] to tour several of Portland's innovative green streets. Sam was invited by the Congressman to testify at a subcommittee hearing last May [0] to share Portland's success with sustainable stormwater practices.