PORTLAND, Ore. -- The City Council said Wednesday it can fund part of Portland's ambitious bike plan with millions of dollars saved from lower-than-expected contract bids.

Mayor Sam Adams' plan uses more than $15 million in savings from Bureau of Environmental Services projects to simultaneously fix storm sewer problems and build bike boulevards.

"It's using savings we didn't know we were going to get. We achieved (this) only because the recession is so bad we're getting contracts coming in 40 to 50 percent below the initial estimates," Adams said.

The $15 million will be added to $5 million already earmarked to jump-start the 2030 Portland Bicycle Plan, which will cost more than $500 million to complete if approved.

The spending plan is on the docket at next week's council meeting. Adams said he expects it to pass unanimously.

City commissioners said the plan won't require a tax hike.

"I wouldn't support this package if it was going to increase rates. And it won't," said Commissioner Dan Saltzman.

City Finds $15M To Kick Start Bike Plan