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Hood River–White Salmon Bridge advocates urge Oregon to commit remaining $105 million; say Washington has pledged $125 million
Summary
Representatives of the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge authority asked the committee to appropriate Oregon's remaining share so the project can leverage Washington state's commitment and federal funding.
Grant Paulson, commissioner with the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge Authority, told the committee May 9 that the century‑old bridge is “functionally obsolete” and that Oregon must commit the remainder of its share to leverage Washington’s recent $125,000,000 commitment.
Paulson said Oregon previously allocated $20,000,000 in 2023 and that the state now needs to commit the remaining $105,000,000 so the regional finance plan — which anticipates parity between the two states and seeks full federal support — can move forward. He also referenced House Bill 2184’s proposed funding schedule, which he said would provide $75,000,000 in the 2025‑27 biennium and $30,000,000 in the 2027‑29 biennium.
“Timely action is essential to prevent work stoppages this year and to secure the investments of our Washington state and federal partners,” Paulson said.
Paulson asked the capital construction committee to support the appropriation through either the transportation finance legislation or SB 5531, the bill under consideration in the subcommittee. No formal motion or vote occurred during the hearing.
