Tabor to the River Program: Introduction, History & Program Projects

The Tabor to the River Program integrates hundreds of sewer, green stormwater management, tree planting and other watershed projects to improve sewer system reliability, stop sewer backups in basements and street flooding, control combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the Willamette River, and restore watershed health.

The program is restoring watershed function and improving watershed health in a highly urbanized area of southeast Portland. The 2.3-square mile program area extends from Mt. Tabor Park to the Willamette River between SE Hawthorne and SE Powell boulevards. Tabor to the River projects include planting nearly 3,500 trees, adding more than 500 green street facilities, repairing and replacing 81,000 feet of sewer pipe, removing invasive plants from natural areas and restoring native vegetation. A key component of the program is to create lasting knowledge, enthusiasm and social infrastructure for community-driven watershed improvements in partnership with the community and city efforts.