🌉 Hood River–White Salmon Bridge Replacement Update - July 2025
July's Bridge Authority meetings revealed critical funding negotiations with federal officials, new outreach strategies, and early steps toward a community campaign backing the $1.12B replacement bridge.
Editor's note: the best place for HR-WS Bridge Replacement updates is undoubtedly the Inform Hood River page on Facebook. I'm going to do my best to link to their coverage whenever possible, because it is excellent. Not everyone has an account on FB, so I thought readers might like some brief updates on another platform too.
🏛 July 14 – Regular Meeting
At its regular monthly meeting, the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge Authority (HRWSBA) shared updates on progress replacing the 100-year-old bridge that connects Hood River, Oregon with White Salmon, Washington. The Communications and Government Relations Committee introduced a proposed tagline—“A Bridge We Can Rely On”—and messaging focused on safety, economic importance, and growing regional momentum.
These messages are tailored to target groups like federal grant agencies, state legislators, and local communities, as the Authority seeks to secure full funding for the $1.12 billion project. Commissioners noted the need to connect emotionally with rural families, bridge users, and commercial drivers in both states.
During public comment, several community members expressed interest in volunteering, particularly in communications, social media, and community organizing. In response, commissioners discussed ways to welcome informal involvement outside of official appointments—such as a letter-writing campaign, social media mythbusting, and grant assistance.
The project director also briefed the board on the complex process of accessing federal and state funds. Three funding sources (from Oregon DOT, Washington DOT, and the U.S. Department of Transportation) are currently being coordinated to meet match requirements—rules that require local or state contributions to unlock federal dollars.
The most urgent concern is a $75 million federal INFRA grant (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America), which the Authority must formally commit, or “obligate,” before the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30, 2025 to avoid losing the funding.
đź”—Inform Hood River Post - 7/13
đź”—Inform Hood River Post with clip of ED Kevin Greenwood answering questions about the bridge's condition - 7/15
📋 July 18 – Special Session
The board held a short-notice special session to address a warning from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). FHWA expressed concern that they might not be able to finalize the INFRA grant agreement in time. The Board began drafting a letter emphasizing how delays could cost the project an additional $40–60 million per year and threaten the overall timeline.
🛠July 23 – Workshop Session
Commissioners convened a public workshop to review materials for the upcoming Bridge Investment Program (BIP) application, a second major source of potential federal funding. This program—administered by the U.S. DOT—is designed to replace or rehabilitate aging and obsolete bridges across the country. The application will include data, maps, and letters of support highlighting the regional importance of the bridge for commerce, emergency response, and tourism.
✉️ July 25 – Special Session
In an emergency session, the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge Authority (HRWSBA) met to address a warning from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that the project’s $75 million INFRA grant is at risk of being lost if not obligated—i.e., formally committed to a contract—by September 30, 2025.
The concern, raised by FHWA Oregon Projects Oversight Manager Tom Goldstein, stems from continued delays in processing the grant agreement at the federal level. In response, the Authority reaffirmed it is prepared to sign an $83 million contract with contractor Kiewit by September 1, covering Phase 1B design work. The remaining $125 million in INFRA funds would be obligated in 2026.
Why this matters: If the obligation deadline is missed, construction could be delayed by a year, increasing project costs by an estimated $40–60 million. Recently committed Oregon state funds aren’t available until July 2027, and can’t be used to front-load design work needed by March 2027.
The board approved a letter to FHWA Oregon Division Administrator Keith Lynch, summarizing the agency’s 18-month effort to meet federal requirements and urging expedited approval. Commissioners also noted that federal staffing shortages and earlier-year funding disruptions at the U.S. DOT have led to similar delays nationwide.
If no progress is made soon, HRWSBA plans to seek help from Congressional representatives to apply pressure and prevent the funding from falling through.
đź”—Inform Hood River Recap - 7/25
🧱 July 28 – Regular Meeting
At its July 28 meeting, the Hood River–White Salmon Bridge Authority approved a major contract with Kiewit to begin Phase 1B: final design and preconstruction for the new bridge. This agreement covers all engineering and permitting work needed to produce 100% complete design plans—setting the stage for construction in 2027. While the contract is approved, work won’t begin until a Notice to Proceed (NTP) is issued, tentatively scheduled for September 1, 2025, pending federal funding.
The project hinges on the timely obligation of a $200 million INFRA grant from the Federal Highway Administration. Without it, Kiewit’s work may be slowed due to lack of available funds. Oregon has committed state funds, but those won’t arrive until mid-2027—too late to support design work that must be finished by March 2027. The Authority has submitted all required documents to FHWA and is awaiting final approval this week.
Other updates included progress on state lottery bond agreements, ongoing federal coordination with tribal and historic preservation agencies, and land appraisals for 6F properties (parklands that require replacement if used). HRWSBA also plans to submit its FY2026 Bridge Investment Program (BIP) application this week, citing a strong 1.9% benefit-cost ratio. Communications staff are monitoring public discussion and working to ensure accurate information is shared, especially on social media.
đź”—Once again, the best recap of this meeting is from Inform Hood River - 7/28
All July Agendas & Materials:
HR-WS Bridge Replacement Google Drive folder
Meeting recordings: HR WS Bridge Youtube Channel
đź“… Next Meeting
A follow-up from FHWA is expected shortly after July 30. No August meeting date has yet been posted, but updates will be available on the official site: hoodriverbridge.org.