ODOT clears away Salem’s largest homeless camp

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Authorities have cleared away Salem’s largest homeless camp.

The Oregon Department of Transportation warned of the sweep two weeks ago, and its crews were joined by police Monday in notifying campers they had to go. The campers were offered a hot cup of coffee and trash bags.

The camp established on state property near the Center Street bridge had 25 tents at its peak. Some people left before the sweep.

ODOT spokesman Lou Torres says the agency spent more than $3 million cleaning up homeless camps between 2013 and 2017.