County approves federal‑funded Beaver Creek culvert replacement project to restore fish passage and add bike/ped access

Multnomah County commissioners on Dec. 9 approved a supplemental project authorization with the Oregon Department of Transportation to replace existing culverts at Beaver Creek (South Troutdale Road) with a new bridge and restore the creek to a more natural condition.

John Hendrickson, transportation division director and county engineer, said the project will remove three culverts and failed fish ladder infrastructure that have created nearly impassable barriers for federally protected salmon and trout species. The project also addresses a lack of bike and pedestrian facilities on the roadway, improving accessibility between a suburban neighborhood north of the project area and a business district near Mount Hood Community College.

Funding presented: the design, right‑of‑way and permitting phase will be funded with $1,438,480 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage program, FY2022) and a $382,620 county match. Hendrickson said a construction grant of roughly $820,000 has been awarded separately and that staff will return for approval of construction grant agreements when finalized.

The board approved the intergovernmental agreement by roll call.