Every year, there’s a significant chance we’ll experience a major flood on the Columbia River in the Portland metro area.
A 27-mile levee system helps reduce the risk of flooding along the Columbia from North Portland through Gresham, Fairview, and Troutdale.
But no levee can eliminate all risk, and the federal government has deemed our levees inadequate to protect lives and for residents and business owners in the area to qualify for affordable flood insurance.
THE RISK IS REAL...
And the stakes are high
22 million passengers annually at PDX .
2nd largest source of drinking water in Oregon
$16 billion in economic activity annually.
Over 7,500 residents
Over 59,000 jobs
sections of I-5, I-205, and I-84
50% of the region’s manufacturing and warehouse jobs
important habitat for endangered and protected species
$7.3 billion in assessed property value
Over 2,000 acres of parks, open spaces, and recreational areas
Important nonprofit services like the Food Bank and more
1.4 million trees and shrubs planted by the City of Portland and partners along the slough
The Oregon Air National Guard and other first responders
17 miles of multi-use path on Marine Drive
shopping including Cascade Station, IKEA, Walmart, Target, Costco, Lowe’s and more.
19 miles of water trails for canoeing and kayaking
Find out more about:
What the impacts would be if a section of our levee system failed today
The major floods on the Columbia over the last century
The places our community loves in the managed floodplain