Greening Oregon’s transportation systems

You can hear inspiring words from Gail Achterman, Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission, during her address to City Club of Portland on April 22, 2011. Her talk was titled, “The Future of Oregon’s Transportation Systems: How Do We get from Here to There?”

Check out the 34:50 mark for a shout out about the I-205 Multi-Use Path greening project and our Earth Day planting on April 23.

“We’re working hard at ODOT to make sure every day is Earth Day,” said Achterman.

“Working with Friends of Trees, ODOT is greening the I-205 Multi-Use Path. … planting in some of the most economically and culturally diverse neighborhoods in Oregon.”

Achterman noted that predictions show Oregon will see a 30% increase in population during the next 30 years, most of which will be in the Portland-Vancouver metro area.

“When we rebuild the [transportation] system, we have an opportunity to do it sustainably, to restore the environment, connect community, and meet today’s economic needs as we rebuild the infrastructure of the past,” she said.

In January 2010, Achterman joined Friends of Trees for the first public planting of our three-year greening project with ODOT, Metro and others to enhance the I-205 Multi-Use Path.

Friends of Trees is honored to be a lead partner in this project, which will enhance the experience of all who use the Multi-Use Path, clean our air and water, create habitat for songbirds and other wildlife, and make nearby neighborhoods more livable.

–TR