Plan to power 55,000 homes could remove 400 trees from Portland's Forest Park

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.