Portland Loses Homeless Camp Cleanup Contract After State Fails to Pass Transportation Bill

PORTLAND, Ore. — The failure of Oregon lawmakers to pass legislation to fund the state’s rapidly declining transportation network has claimed its first victim – the $4 million contract paid to Portland City to conduct sweeps of homeless camps on state-owned property within city limits was canceled at the last minute on Monday.

This Could Result in More Trash and Tents Along City Freeways

Observers believe the abrupt end of this long-standing contact will result in more trash and tents creating an eyesore alongside city freeways.

However, a Portland City spokesman has confirmed that the decision by the state will not interfere with the decision to spend $900,000 on wrought iron fencing along Interstate 405 in the Southwest district of the city. It is hoped that the fencing will stop people from setting up homeless camps near the freeway.

This Could Be the First of Many Service Cuts and Job Losses

Portland City received cancellation of the contract a few hours before it was due for renewal on July 1, the first of many service cuts expected following the failure of lawmakers to agree on a desperately-needed transportation package for road resurfacing, bridge repairs, and general maintenance.

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) warned that if a solution to the problem is not found, more than 600 employees could face redundancy…

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