City of Salem Receives Grant For Railroad Bridge

This is the first private foundation grant the project has received and the city hopes it will encourage other private donors to join the effort.

(SALEM) - The City of Salem is the recipient of a $2500 grant from the Cycle Oregon Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation to assist in the conversion of the historic Union Street Railroad Bridge into a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facility.

The bridge crosses the Willamette River in downtown Salem, and when converted it will provide a critical half mile link in the local and regional bicycle and pedestrian transportation system.

Two large urban parks, Wallace Marine (114 acres) and Riverfront (23 acres), bookend this bridge and the project will also connect their recreational trail systems into a single family friendly network.

The project connects with the state-designated Willamette River Water Trail.

The Oregon Community Foundation, established in 1973, has managed charitable funds donated by individuals, families, and businesses to enhance and support the quality of life in their communities.

Today the Foundation's endowment consists of 1160 funds with combined assets of $770 million.

The Foundation makes grants through an application process that involves local citizens in the review and evaluation of requests for funds.

Application materials are available through the Foundation's office in Portland, or on-line at: www.ocf1.org

Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may contact the Portland office at 1221 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 100, Portland OR 97205,or by calling (503) 227-6846.

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Same old story though. The City of Salem made committments when buying this relic for a dollar. Sure would have made more financial sense to simply inform the railroad that they either put it into a condition that would be usable to the city and then give or sell it to us. If they refused that offer simply start levying fines against them for having an "attractive nuisance" and make them deal with that. Somewhat akin to dealing with the safety at rail crossings throughout the city. Make the railroads pay for needed safety improvements or cease travelling through the city. I think the City of Salem just loves to offer non-paid help to everyone who comes by. Next step? Boise Cascade, of course. How much will that cost taxpayers so we can have riverview condos for a handful of wealthy people?

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