On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman David Wu joined local officials at the groundbreaking for TriMet's largest stimulus project.The $13.5 million project will replace the 30-year-old Merlo Fuel & Wash building and build a LIFT facility for TriMet's Westside operations.

This construction project is the largest among the 29 stimulus projects TriMet has undertaken. The two facilities will be constructed during the next year by Skanska, as general contractor, and 39 subcontractors that include 10 minority contracting firms (DBEs). More than 115 construction workers will be employed and about 20 jobs were retained due to this project.

"Federal stimulus funds are meeting a critical need for our facilities at the same time we're putting Oregonians to work," said TriMet GM Fred Hansen. "The Merlo construction project has been planned for a decade, but there were no funds to move it forward until stimulus dollars became available."

The LIFT facility will be built with many energy efficiencies, including solar panels on top of the building that will power lighting and some equipment loads.

"Beaverton is pleased to work with our partners at TriMet to move this project into construction," said Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle. "This project will help provide jobs for people in our community today and its energy-saving sustainable features will benefit our environment for years to come."