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Representative Dexter warns Hood River officials federal bridge funds remain uncertain, urges contingency planning
Summary
At the March 17 Hood River County meeting, Representative Dexter told commissioners the $200 million INFRA award for the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge is at risk of being delayed or repurposed and urged local leaders to plan alternatives and pursue public‑private partnerships.
Representative Dexter told the Hood River County Board of Commissioners on March 17 that federal funding awarded for the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge (HRWSB) remains uncertain under the new administration and that local leaders should plan for contingencies.
"She expressed concern about the funds being fungible and reliable," Representative Dexter said while urging county officials to keep regular communications with federal offices and to develop alternative funding strategies. She described the bridge replacement as vital to commerce and regional trade and said she will continue advocacy at the federal level.
County officials told Dexter the county expects about $200 million in INFRA grant funding for the HRWSB project but noted that design work still needs to be completed and Bridge Investment Program (BIP) funds will also be required to begin construction. Administrator Williams provided the Board’s facilities needs package, stating the county has a $276 million facilities request intended to keep design processes moving and to seek additional congressional design or construction funding.
Commissioners pressed whether the INFRA funds might be constrained by shifting federal priorities. Representative Dexter said she did not know whether the award would be treated as partisan but urged officials to "plan for the worst and hope for the best" and to pursue creative public‑private partnerships where feasible.
Local officials also raised the downstream impacts if bridge work is delayed. Commissioner Babitz noted the HRWSB authority needs design funding to move toward construction and that uncertainty affects agencies such as the Mid‑Columbia Community Action Council, which relies on federal funds for homeless services. Chair Euwer highlighted the bridge’s economic importance to the region and observed that preserving commerce on the corridor is a priority for local communities.
The Board scheduled follow‑up work sessions to identify project pathways and noted timeline expectations have slipped: commissioners said construction beginning in 2026 is now unlikely given remaining design work and funding dependencies. No formal action was taken; Representative Dexter and county staff said they will continue coordination on funding and next steps.