OMSI District Receives $850,000 for Road Improvements

Federal funding will go towards new traffic signals and sidewalks to enhance safety and revitalize the area.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The OMSI District in Southeast Portland has received $850,000 in federal funding to begin infrastructure work on local roads, marking the first step in the neighborhood's revitalization plan. The funds will be used to add new traffic signals and sidewalks at two key intersections, addressing safety concerns for pedestrians navigating the industrial area.

Why it matters

The OMSI District is a thriving hub in Portland's Central Eastside that is set to undergo a major transformation, including the addition of parks, a Tribal Nations center, affordable housing, and a 3,500-seat music venue. The infrastructure improvements funded by this grant will help make the area more pedestrian-friendly and support the district's future growth and development.

The details

The federal community investment funds, allocated by Representative Suzanne Bonamici, will be used to restructure Southeast Water Avenue, focusing on adding new traffic signals and sidewalks to improve safety for visitors and local businesses. Two intersections will receive the upgrades: Southeast Water Avenue and Southeast Yamhill Street, and Southeast Woodward and Southeast 8th Avenue.

  • On Tuesday morning, the OMSI District received the $850,000 in federal funding.
  • The infrastructure work funded by the grant will mark the first step in the neighborhood's revitalization plan.

The players

Suzanne Bonamici

A U.S. Representative who allocated the federal community investment funds to the OMSI District project.

Erin Graham

The president and CEO of OMSI, who stated that the funding represents a major milestone in the district's revitalization.

Eddy Johnson

A tattoo artist at The Clubhouse in the OMSI District, who highlighted the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure in the area.

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What they’re saying

“This feels like a major milestone to get this kind of investment.”

— Erin Graham, President and CEO, OMSI (kptv.com)

“The Central Eastside is really a thriving hub. The OMSI district is going to really transform Portland.”

— Suzanne Bonamici, U.S. Representative (kptv.com)

“Countless times cars are just not looking or not seeing you come through. You just have to be so careful cars are coming by.”

— Eddy Johnson, Tattoo artist, The Clubhouse (kptv.com)

What’s next

The infrastructure work funded by the $850,000 grant will mark the first phase of the city's plan to revitalize Portland's Central Eastside and the OMSI District.

The takeaway

The OMSI District's $850,000 in federal funding for road improvements represents a significant investment in the area's future, as the neighborhood prepares for a major transformation that will include new parks, affordable housing, and a large music venue. These infrastructure upgrades will help make the district more pedestrian-friendly and support its continued growth as a thriving hub in Portland's Central Eastside.