Meetings are starting for yet another Portland-Vancouver area Columbia River crossing project. The last project failed after eight years of studies and tests. It was known as the Columbia River Crossing project and it managed to waste $175 million dollars without any tangible results.

Anyone interested in the bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement Program can attend the Executive Steering Group’s introductory meeting from 8:00am to 11:00am on Friday, November 6th. This virtual meeting is the first of two kickoff sessions, with the second meeting scheduled for 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Monday, November 30th.

This meeting will be hosted in Zoom in an effort to follow the states’ social distancing guidelines for slowing the spread of COVID-19. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube, and those without internet access will have the option to call in to listen to the meeting. Meeting materials and instructions for participation are available on the Executive Steering Group page.

The Oregon and Washington departments of transportation are convening the 12-member steering group to provide regional leadership recommendations on key program issues of concern to the community. The advisory body includes senior representatives from both state departments of transportation, TriMet, C-TRAN, Oregon Metro, the Southwest Regional Transportation Council, the cities of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, and the Ports of Portland and Vancouver. These parties have a direct role in the integrated, multimodal transportation system around the Interstate Bridge. A community representative from each state will also serve on the group. At the kick-off meetings the steering group will:

• Receive progress updates from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program team.
• Review a draft Executive Steering Group charter.
• Discuss equity considerations.
• Review recommended steps to form a Community Advisory Group.

Public input on agenda items is welcome for each steering group meeting and can be shared via email, phone or online during the meeting:

Those who would like to weigh in can email comments to Washington state at the address interstatebridge@wsdot.wa.gov with “ESG Public Comment” in the subject line or call 360-905-1560 and state “ESG Public Comment” in your message. Facilitators will provide an opportunity for online participants to give input during the meeting. More information is available on the Executive Steering Group page.

Comments received by 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4th will be shared with the committee ahead of the meeting. All comments received prior to or at the meeting will be included in the meeting summary.

To request an accommodation, such as materials in alternate formats, interested persons can contact the program team at 360-905-1560 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Replacing the aging Interstate Bridge across the Columbia River with a seismically resilient, multimodal structure that provides improved mobility for people, goods and services is a high priority for Oregon and Washington. In late 2019, governors and legislative leadership in both states directed the Washington Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Transportation to launch the bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement Program to lead this work. Program development will center on equity and follow a transparent, data-driven process that includes collaboration with federal, state, regional and local partners.

Comprehensive and equitable community engagement is critical to identify a solution that prioritizes safety, reflects community values and discussions with communities of concern, and fosters broad regional support. The Executive Steering Group, Community Advisory Group, and an effective equity strategy will be key components of comprehensive community engagement efforts to ensure ongoing, extensive and inclusive public dialogue.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-25 14:20:26

Last Update: 2020-10-25 14:23:02