🏗 Gorge Bridge Project Cleared to Build, Transit Planning, and Board Members Needed - Winter 2025 Updates

🌉 HOOD RIVER–WHITE SALMON BRIDGE UPDATE

Fall/Winter 2025: Funding, Final Design, and a Federal Green Light

The billion-dollar bridge replacement project connecting Hood River, OR and White Salmon, WA entered a critical new phase this winter. The federal Record of Decision (ROD) was finalized in December, completing a multi-year environmental review and enabling the project to move forward into final design and permitting. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the bridge authority is preparing for major staffing and governance shifts, and you could apply to help lead it.

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🗓️ October 27, 2025 – Shutdown Impacts, RAISE Grant Handoffs, and Funding Unknowns

The bridge authority met during the 27th day of the federal government shutdown, which had limited impact on the project but delayed progress on certain regulatory approvals. Notably, the Army Corps of Engineers, which must approve permits and finalize the ROD, was partially shut down and had just announced a pause on $11B in federal projects.

There were also questions about Oregon’s controversial new transportation funding package, passed in a special session but still awaiting the Governor’s signature. If referred to the 2026 ballot (as Republicans promised), the funding mechanisms for ODOT could be frozen for over a year. However, HRWSBA funding, tied to state lottery-backed bonds, is reportedly unaffected.

The Authority is in an ongoing balancing act: coordinating federal reimbursements (like a recently cleared RAISE grant) while preparing contingency plans for long-term construction disruptions and insurance needs. Commissioners discussed how much involvement HRWSBA will have in implementation of the RAISE-funded improvements in Hood River, White Salmon, and Bingen (e.g. sidewalks, crossings, and bike access). As one commissioner put it, the Authority may have been “the glue to build the plan." But whether it also helps local cities fund and implement that plan remains an open question.

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🛠️ December 4, 2025 – Open House for Bike/Pedestrian Access (RAISE)

At a public open house hosted at the Hood River Event Site, more than 50 residents gathered to view conceptual layouts and discuss how the new bridge will connect to downtowns, trails, and transit in White Salmon, Bingen, and Hood River. Five focus areas were presented, including downtown crossings, proposed roundabouts, and riverfront trails.

Speakers emphasized that this was not a bridge design meeting, but about the infrastructure around it: connections that make the bridge useful for non-drivers. Mayors from all three cities voiced support, with Bingen’s Mayor Kiewit noting the importance of toll-free, non-vehicle options for low-income residents. Commissioner Arthur Babitz reminded attendees of the once-central role the bridge played in the Gorge’s economic and emotional life, and how its new form could again knit communities together.

Residents were invited to comment via survey through December 19. Concepts and materials are available online at the Online Open House site.

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📜 December 8, 2025 – Record of Decision Secured, Construction Design Accelerates

A major milestone was announced: the Record of Decision (ROD) had been secured from the Army Corps of Engineers, completing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. This federal signoff clears the path for right-of-way acquisition, final design work, and access to several key grants. With over 130 tribal consultation meetings held over four years, the first of four required MOAs with local tribes (Umatilla) had also been signed. Agreements with the Yakama, Warm Springs, and Nez Perce tribes are underway.

Design drilling will begin in early January, with geotechnical crews navigating tribal fishing access and shallow water limitations. HRWSBA is in talks with BNSF Railway to use right-of-way for barge access and may even use helicopters to lower equipment into the river. Meanwhile, the team installed sensors on the current bridge to monitor for movement during nearby drilling.

The Authority is also exploring governance changes as construction nears. A new hybrid model would include hiring an executive director to oversee day-to-day operations and serve as liaison between contractors, staff, and the public. They're awaiting FHWA guidance on whether that person needs to be a licensed engineer. Once hired, this person could lead through both construction and operations.

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📅 December 22, 2025 – Legal Prep, Contract Extensions, and Final Paperwork

In a year-end special session, HRWSBA:

• Extended its Phase 1A contract with HNTB and Kiewit for final design tasks.
• Approved legal and right-of-way documents to support land acquisition in 2026.
• Discussed insurance and liability concerns, including the expiration of Hood River Port’s bridge insurance policy in July 2026.

Commissioners also reviewed the need for additional administrative staff and contract clarity as the project enters a more intense phase of execution. The team confirmed that bore drilling would begin in January, and any effects on the current bridge would be monitored closely.

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🧩 Who Runs the Bridge Authority, and Could It Be You?

With terms expiring in early 2026, Klickitat and Hood River counties are now accepting applications for new HRWSBA commissioners. These are volunteer roles overseeing one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Northwest—and you don’t need to be a transportation expert to apply.

If you’re a resident of Klickitat or Hood River County with a background in public service, construction, finance, tribal affairs, or just a passion for regional infrastructure, you’re encouraged to apply.

📝 Learn how: upliftlocal.news/would-you-volunteer-to-help-oversee-our-billion-dollar-bridge

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🔜 What’s Next in Early 2026

• January: Drilling begins for geotechnical sampling.
• February-March: Aesthetic integration, tolling operations, and staffing structure planning continue.
• Spring 2026: HRWSBA awaits a decision on its $532 million Bridge Investment Program (BIP) application. If awarded, this would close the final funding gap for construction, targeted for Fall 2027.

📌 Watch for the next HRWSBA public meeting in early 2026 (exact date TBD based on board reappointments). Stay tuned at HoodRiverBridge.org or follow @HRWSBridge on YouTube for the latest.

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📝 Meeting notes by Columbia Gorge Documenters, republished under CC BY 4.0 via Uplift Local.