The Portland City Council passed resolutions June 3 pledging to buy goods and services made or produced in America — and to establish employment standards for all programs funded with monies from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The resolutions were carried by Mayor Sam Adams and Commissioners Dan Saltzman and Randy Leonard. There was no opposition.

The American Recovery and Revitalization Act (ARRA) passed earlier this year by Congress includes $787 billion in federal funding for infrastructure, health care, education, energy efficiency, public safety, job training, and other programs.

The amount coming to Portland is expected to be $30 million. Approximately $14.7 million has been earmarked for surface transportation and another $5.6 million for energency efficiency programs.

The City Council also is working with local partners and state agencies to secure additional funding through ARRA competitive grants.

The “Buy America” campaign was launched on a national scale by United Steelworkers. To date, more than 500 states, towns, and other public entities have passed similar resolutions, including commissioners in Multnomah and Yamhill counties, city councils representing Albany, Sweet Home, and Carlton in Oregon; and Clark County, the City of Vancouver, and the Regional Transportation Council in Southwest Washington.

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