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The future Council Creek Regional Trail is moving closer to reality, thanks to a $12.2 million federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant.
This 6-mile segment of the Council Creek Trail will connect Forest Grove, Cornelius and Hillsboro, providing a healthy, safe travel alternative to Tualatin Valley Highway for those who want to hike, bike or roll. The award was announced Thursday by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Peter DeFazio.
“This grant will provide a climate-friendly, healthy way to get to work or school, run errands, connect to MAX or get some exercise,” said Washington County District 4 Commissioner Jerry Willey. “These funds will help make the communities’ vision for this trail a reality. Thanks to our congressional delegation for their ongoing advocacy to provide these resources into the future.”
Metro, Washington County and the cities of Cornelius, Forest Grove and Hillsboro have spent more than 10 years on planning and community conversations with the public. In 2020, Clean Water Services; the cities of Cornelius, Forest Grove and Hillsboro, Metro, Oregon Department of Transportation, TriMet and Washington County formed the Council Creek Corridor Working Group to further develop this shared community vision.
While the RAISE grant provides a significant share of the funds needed to build this trail, the Working Group will continue seeking additional funding is needed to complete the project. See the 2015 Council Creek Regional Trail Master Plan
The RAISE Discretionary Grant program provides a unique opportunity for the US Department of Transportation to invest in local road, rail, trail, transit and port projects. In addition to the Washington County award, Lane County received $19 million for improvements to Franklin Boulevard.
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