Federal money coming to Oregon to tackle risky traffic areas
Oregon will be getting seven grants, worth a total of about $24 million, to help reduce traffic fatalities in high-crash areas. The Biden administration announced the grants Wednesday morning as part of the $800 million “Safe Streets and Roads for All” program. The majority of Oregon’s funding will go toward projects on 122nd Avenue in Portland. A 5-mile stretch of that road is among the most dangerous traffic areas in the metro area. The money will be used for more street lighting, protected bike lanes, new crosswalks and several more traffic improvements. Planning grants will also go to Oregon Metro, as well as Lane, Douglas and Jefferson counties, and the cities of Hermiston and Ontario. (OPB Staff)
Want to become a bald eagle monitor in Salem?
Salem city officials are looking for volunteers to monitor bald eagle nests in Minto-Brown Island and Riverfront parks. Bald eagles use the same nest throughout their life, so eliminating disturbances is key to their well-being. Volunteer monitors will keep an eye on the nests, document the birds’ behavior and watch for human activity. (Whitney Woodworth/Statesman Journal)
Deep freeze bursts pipes across Central Oregon
Plumbers and restoration workers said their phones were blowing up as Central Oregon residents and businesses reported burst pipes resulting from frigid temperatures. “It has been absolute madness out there the past few days,” said Debra Messer-Rahman with Central Oregon Disaster Restoration, a water damage restoration service in Bend. While the cold snap that brought subzero temperatures to Bend is over, experts urge residents and businesses to be prepared for the next blast of winter weather. (Joe Siess/The Bulletin)
Sturgeon numbers sinking in Columbia River
A recently released report by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife shows sturgeon in the Lower Columbia River are dwindling. The population of legal-sized sturgeon declined from around 100,000 fish in 2021 to just over 78,000 fish last year. Experts say a number of issues are likely contributing to the decline — including challenges young sturgeon face returning to spawning grounds because of the Bonneville Dam. Fish and wildlife employees in both Oregon and Washington say they need more funding to study and address issues that are driving down sturgeon populations. Some advocates for the fish say there should also be more restrictions on fishing until the sturgeon numbers recover. (Lauren Ellenbecker/The Columbian)
Blood banks encourage donation through winter months
Winter weather conditions can put a damper on blood donation. Dawn Johnson with the American Red Cross Cascades said the number of people giving blood has slumped the past few months. The regional Red Cross chapter canceled nearly two dozen drives following a recent winter storm. Now, some Northwest blood banks are offering prizes to encourage people to roll up their sleeves and help boost critical blood supplies. (Jasmine Lewin/KLCC)