A $5.5M Portland power project could remove 400 trees from Forest Park while powering over 55,000 homes; the deal has split conservation groups

Portland General Electric's Harborton Reliability Project, which would cut down 400 trees on a 5-acre plot, is facing massive backlash from conservation groups. While the project is yet to gain final approval from City Hall, it is already facing contention.According to a report by Ecoticias.com, the project is vital to maintain reliable power for over 55,000 homes and businesses. However, detractors argue that mature forest, wetlands, waterways, and wildlife will suffer the brunt. The city is awaiting a staff report recommending the revised application.Why the project mattersAccording to PGE, a new 1,400 ft segment of high-voltage transmission line would improve distribution of electricity in the event of equipment failure or spikes in demand during extreme heat waves or cold spells. It would also include an upgrade to a decades-old line inside a utility corridor. The utility points to potential outages in parts of Portland coming as soon as 2028 if the work is not approved.Initially, it was agreed that PGE would funnel $5.5 million into habitat restoration in and around Forest Park in addition to environmental remediation needed after the construction is finished. The money could ...