The I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project has a price tag of over a billion dollars and growing. The coming year looks to be the true beginning of finally making it all happen. This will include bringing together a diverse assortment of jobs, businesses and expertise to get the projected five year project done. One of the prime contractors on the project is a local Black-owned company – Raimore Construction. It’s leader Jeff Moreland, Sr. has been gearing up for the bridge project for several years now.
The Portland Medium has reported on the I-5 bridge project along with the Resource Scholars Show. The history being made could set an example on using the construction trades to change the harsh by-products of poverty – violence and broken families. Raimore is the perfect organization to make it all happen. It’s work over the years has been remarkable and record-setting.
For instance, TriMet bragged that it’s work with Raimore Construction, a certified disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) was reported to be on track to achieve record-setting involvement by businesses owned by minorities, women and other historically disadvantaged groups. The 84 percent DBE participation alone, TriMet stated, is a record for it’s major projects.
TriMet awarded the $175 million Division Transit Project contract in 2018 to Raimore Construction. It was the largest contract ever awarded in Oregon to a certified DBE. DBEs are businesses owned by women or minorities at a level of at least 51 percent. Companies that are certified as DBEs can receive preference for contracts funded with transportation-related dollars under programs administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the state of Oregon, and TriMet.
Jeff Moreland Sr. helped to find the dynamic construction company that has focused on high quality work, diversity, and a commitment to building Black wealth. Jeff was in Zoom meetings during the workups to this much needed bridge project. Moreland Sr. pushed for forward movement with the project without delays. Portland State University’s Black Business Experience course has students currently studying and examining the real work of the historical company.
In an interview discussing the importance of the bridge project, Jeff Moreland Sr. stated that delay of the project means death on the streets. Raimore has done an incredible job with connecting to individuals that other companies have failed to bring on board. Some of those seeking a job or business opportunity are formerly incarcerated individuals. Women also benefit from the focus Raimore has placed on equal opportunity. The Raimore Construction company brings them in, provide proper training, set high expectations, and keeps them there with a wage that allows a family to live versus survive.
