Work Under Way on Future Energy Project
Steel "wrap" designed as housing for wind turbines, solar panels
TriMet constructed a large steel structure—steel "drapery"— near the Portland State University (PSU) campus that will support future wind turbines and solar panels planned as part of a renewable energy project. Built with $1.2 million in federal stimulus funds, the steel structure will wrap around several buildings at TriMet's light rail terminus at SW Jackson St. between 5th and 6th avenues.
View of the completed structure at the South Terminus from PSU's Broadway dormitory.
The future wind and solar energy generators are proposed as part of an energy pilot program adjacent to the PSU campus, providing educational opportunities for students while powering electrical systems in the light rail facilities at the site. The steel wrap also conceals signals, communication equipment and the substation buildings at the south terminus. TriMet is seeking funding for the future wind and solar components.
Construction begins of the steel "wrap" as part of a renewable energy project funded by federal stimulus.
Job retention
The contractor for the construction was Stacy Witbeck/Kiewit Pacific, Inc. Subcontractors included Liberty Steel, Affordable Electric and ACS Testing, Inc. Liberty Steel and Affordable Electric are part of TriMet’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
Federal stimulus funds from the (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or ARRA) prevented 12 layoffs among the contractor and subcontractors working on this project. Nine full-time and 11 part-time employees were dedicated to this project.
About TriMet stimulus funds
TriMet was awarded $53.3 million in federal stimulus funds to be used to fix failing infrastructure, make the transit system more robust and put Oregonians to work. TriMet's 31 stimulus projects are projected to fund about 740 direct jobs and 1,100 indirect jobs.