Friday, October 16, 2020
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Next forum - what's up in commercial real estate? |
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WEA will be hosting a virtual forum on Thursday, October 29 at 7:30 a.m., in coordination with NAIOP, about the local commercial real estate market.
When it comes to commercial real estate, this panel will discuss the current economy, affects of COVID, the financial impacts of rent moratoriums, and more.
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Transportation Committee talks about smart intersections, traffic management |
WEA's Transportation Committee learned more about Washington County's Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) this week.
This is the system that allows transportation officials to monitor traffic in the county and make adjustments to traffic signals.
It also shares information with partners to inform motorists of travel times and suggested speeds.
School zones and snow zone alert signals are also part of the ITS.
Washington County's County Engineer Stacy Shetler provided the presentation, along with Traffic Engineer Shaun Quayle.
Shetler said the county has remote connections to 200 of the 350 signals the county owns, 100 monitoring cameras, and 130 time travel readers.
The county is on the cutting edge when it comes to traffic technology in comparison to other cities around the nation.
Committee discussion included questions about green lights being extended for longer freight trucks, pedestrian crossings, and bikes; flashing yellow signals; and the ability to make changes remotely to snow or school zones, which saves staff time and risks.
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Hillsboro transforms water pressure into green energy
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The City of Hillsboro has a new source of power thanks to pressure in its water line.
This week the city, along with Energy Trust of Oregon, Portland General Electric (PGE) and InPipe Energy, announced the completion of the Hillsboro In-Pipe Hydroelectric Project.
By harvesting excess pressure from a city water pipeline, this renewable energy project can generate electricity through a new micro-hydropower technology.
The project is located at Hillsboro's Gordon Faber Recreation Complex and will generate enough electricity to help power the lighting, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and concessions there - this is where Ron Tonkin Field (home of the Hillsboro Hops baseball team) and the Hillsboro Stadium are located.
“As a growing city, we’re excited to pioneer this very practical new form of renewable energy that will help us continue to meet our climate action goals and build resilience,” said Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway.
Click on the video above to learn more about how this project is benefiting the Westside and beyond.
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TVWD loan refi saves rate payers millions |
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The Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) is saving its rate payers an additional $122 million over the next 25 years by basically refinancing a federal loan it received last year.
TVWD is part of the Willamette Water Supply Program, which is currently constructing more than 30 miles of pipeline, a water treatment plant, two storage reservoirs, and providing its customers with an additional source for drinking water.
About a year ago, the water utility had received $387.7 million in financing through a federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan.
TVWD President Bernice Bagnall said, “Every TVWD customer will benefit directly from the re-execution of the WIFIA loan. The initial WIFIA loan savings to our customers, relative to full market rates, were estimated to be $138 million. We thought this was a great deal, but now, because of Senator Merkley’s help, we will save an additional $122 million in borrowing costs."
The Willamette Water Supply Program is a $1.3 billion partnership project that includes TVWD, the City of Hillsboro, and the City of Beaverton.
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- Happy Marty Wine Day! The City of Tigard is celebrating its city manager who will be leaving her position soon.
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Tigard is looking for community members' engagement by asking them to serve on various Boards and Committees. Click here to learn more.
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It's time to get your vote on! Ballots for the November 3 election were put in the mail this week. In Oregon, you can track your ballot by visiting the Secretary of State's website. You can also turn to 11/3 on the calendar below for links to official ballot drop box locations in Washington and Clackamas counties.
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Speaking of weighing in, what about transit in Washington County's rural area? Do you have an opinion? Click here to provide your feedback.
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Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation is hosting a virtual community meeting in regards to a pedestrian bridge over Highway 26. Click here to learn more.
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Portland State University's Board of Trustees reduced student fees for fall term by $44 due to its reduced operations. Click here to read more.
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NW Natural is part of an agreement to explore the development of what could be North America's largest renewable hydrogen facility. Click here to read more.
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The Port of Portland has revealed what the future looks like for PDX's main terminal. Click here to take a look for yourself or see the drawing below.
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Wed. 10/21 at 12:00 p.m. The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually to talk with the City of Hillsboro's Colin Cooper about HB 2001. All members are welcome. Contact KC Reinhart for more information.
Wed. 10/28 at 7:30 a.m. The WEA Board of Directors will meet virtually.
Th. 10/29 at 7:30 a.m. WEA will host a virtual forum on the local commercial real estate market. Click here to register.
Th. 11/5 The Government Relations Committee (GRC) will meet virtually at 7:30 a.m. to talk about the recent elections and the upcoming legislative session. All members are welcome. Contact Pam Treece for more information.
Wed. 11/11 at 7:30 a.m. The Transportation Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome. Contact Teresa Dunham for more information.
Wed. 11/11 Veterans Day - thank you to all who have served or currently have family members serving in our nation's military.
To see more of the WEA calendar, please visit the WEA website.
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