Access to Willamette River one step closer with support from Representative Brad Witt

By Brian Hoop

Thanks to Linnton’s State legislators, Representative Brad Witt and Senator Betsy Johnson, who collaborated to secure $815,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for river access at NW 107th Ave and earthquake retrofitting for the Linnton Community Center. 

This is part of a massive COVID related stimulus package approved by Congress in March 2021 of which some $240 million were approved by the Oregon legislature in June to be divided proportionately between each legislative district. Representative Witt had reached out to Linnton Neighborhood Association leaders in March to solicit ideas for local projects.

In an August 10th e-newsletter, Representative Witt announced the awards within his District 31. For Linnton, he described “expanded community shoreline access, with the construction of a new ADA path to provide more local outdoor recreation opportunities. This project will extend the newly-completed pedestrian pathway where the river lookout point is, and build a path down to the sandy beach at the water’s edge. He went on to describe “funding will also be used for earthquake retrofits at the Community Center.” 

Other nearby awardees include upgrades for the Sauvie Island Fire District, and much needed retrofits and ADA accessibility for the Skyline Grange. Senator Johnson secured funding that will go towards water and wastewater facilities in Scappoose and transportation grid improvements in Vernonia.

The Neighborhood Association will work closely with our legislators in the coming year to determine next steps. Stay tuned.

You can thank Representative Witt at Rep.BradWitt@oregonlegislature.gov or by calling 503-986-1431.

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