Commissioners flag gaps in mental-health beds, housing and transport funding impacting Hood River County

During the county reports at the Sept. 16 meeting, commissioners and the county administrator highlighted several service and infrastructure concerns affecting Hood River County and the Gorge region.

Commissioner Moretti summarized state-level reviews noting limited crisis services in the Gorge, citing that some counties had zero available adult mental-health beds; she said this underscores local need for permanent housing and services, and noted collaborations among Bridges to Health, Columbia Gorge Health Council, Mid-Columbia Center for Living and the Sheriff’s Department to better serve people experiencing homelessness. Moretti said the area needs local housing solutions rather than relocating people to Wasco County.

Commissioner Babitz described work with the Hood River White Salmon Bridge Authority (HRWSBA) and said Oregon must commit $105 million for the bridge project to proceed; he said a legislative meeting between Oregon and Washington legislators is planned Oct. 1 to align commitments. Babitz also said a revised cost estimate will be prepared this fall to update a 2021 $525 million estimate because of rising material costs and deeper pier drilling requirements.

Administrators and Public Works staff reported on the Mitchell Point tunnel project and noted that the twin tunnels remain closed because of a microwave-tunnel fire that created subterranean fires; the closure has affected Mosier-area businesses and access. Commissioner Muenzer reported on traffic and safety concerns in Cascade Locks and said a houseless camp reported near the bridge had been decommissioned with Sheriff’s Department involvement.

The Board did not take formal action on these items at the meeting; several are being advanced through staff processes or will be the subject of future meetings.