Updated June 27, 2019

Environmental Services is designing a project to expand the Texas Wetland near SW Texas St and 26th Ave. The project, at the headwaters of Stephens Creek, will include a new stream bed, a wetland, and native plantings. The site, which is currently an empty lot, will soon help to clean and filter stormwater runoff before it flows into Stephens Creek. Construction was tentatively expected to begin in August 2019 but has been postponed to the summer of 2020.

Construction Postponed

Environmental Services postponed construction on the SW Texas Wetlands Expansion project to make sure it can be completed during a timeframe called the “in-water work window”. The State of Oregon requires that our work on this project occur during the in-water window to minimize the impact on important fish, wildlife, and habitat resources. The in-water work window for this site is between July 15 and September 30.

Environmental Services has just finished the design process for the project and was preparing to go to procurement for construction bids. Starting this process now would have put construction at or near the end of the in-water work window for this site. It was determined that postponing procurement until next spring will allow enough time for the contractor to perform the work. 

New Connector Trail for Pedestrians

The project will also include a reconfiguration of the current trail through the Texas Wetland, and provide a connection from SW Texas Street to a new pedestrian trail that will be constructed on the site to the east. This will help provide pedestrian connectivity from neighborhoods near SW Texas to SW Capitol Hill Road, Hillsdale, and beyond.

About Stephens Creek

Stephens Creek runs from its headwaters near Hillsdale to the Willamette River just north of the Sellwood Bridge. It is unique in Portland in that it runs largely above ground. Smaller tributaries and springs feed the stream, in addition to stormwater runoff. Based on an understanding of southwest Portland’s unique geology, hydrology, and geography, Environmental Services is working with partners to improve and restore watershed health in Stephens Creek. A healthy watershed provides habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife and delivers cold, clean water to the Willamette River.

For more information about Stephens Creek, got to: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/stephenscreek.

For More Information

With questions, comments or for more information, contact Joe Tursi at Joe.Tursi@portlandoregon.gov or  503-823-5753.