Portland, Ore. is getting more than $1 million to spruce up its tourism sector with beautification projects, including creating new green spaces and improving its recreational infrastructure and amenities, thanks to the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) announced recently.
The DOC's Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the $1.2 million grant to Portland on Sept. 28, the agency announced at the time. The $1.2 million grant to Portland will be matched with $302,400 in local funds, the DOE states.
The ARP's Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program support the post-pandemic recovery of areas that depend on tourism and outdoor recreation.
Portland, Ore. is getting $1.2 million recreational and beautification projects. in American Rescue Funds for
| AnotherBeliever/Wikimedia Commons
Alejandra Castillo, DOC's assistant secretary for economic development, said the EDA is committed to supporting local strategies for pandemic recovery and rebuilding. “This project will develop new green space and recreational amenities in downtown Portland, making the area more attractive to visitors," Castillo said.
Part of the grant will cover the construction of Pride Plaza, a new, 320,000 sq. ft. park in downtown Portland, the DOC announcement reports. The park construction and other projects are projected to generate $1.9 million in private investment and more than 285 jobs, according to the report.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) said he "deeply appreciates" federal support for the plaza, saying the project "is a win for making Portland safer and more livable for people living and working downtown, as well as visitors."
"It is part of the growing Green Loop, a 6-mile pedestrian corridor connecting people with the heart of the city. It will also support small businesses which are still recovering from the pandemic," Blumenauer said in the announcement. "This grant ties the pieces together to accelerate downtown’s revitalization.”
“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” DOC Sec. Gina Raimondo said in the announcement. “This EDA investment in Portland will help the city’s tourism sector recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and build back stronger for the future.”
