🪏Who’s In Charge, What’s Funded, and When We Break Ground - Jan 2026 Bridge Meeting

Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority Meeting Summary
Date: January 12, 2026
Location: HRWSBA Office / Zoom
Meeting Time: 2:00 PM - 4:08 PM
With thanks to Documenter Kathy Omer (CC BY 4.0 - Columbia Gorge Documenters) for sharing notes.

---

Highlights

• All current commissioners were officially reappointed to new 4-year terms. Klickitat County still has one alternate position open.
• The board postponed voting on new co-chairs and extended the current co-chairs' terms until further action.
• Bridge monitoring equipment is being installed to track potential movement during construction.
• The authority continues to await FHWA legal review and Office of the Secretary of Transportation sign-off on the $200 million INFRA grant.
• Budget concerns remain high, as both Oregon and Washington face large deficits.

---

Governance and Staffing

• Reappointments: Commissioners from both counties reappointed through 2027-2030, depending on role.
• Co-chair vote tabled: Some commissioners supported current co-chairs’ continued service, while others noted fatigue. Legal counsel will explore whether alternates can be eligible for co-chair in future bylaw changes.
• Staff planning: The board continues to evaluate the possibility of hiring a financial director and executive director as the project advances toward construction.

---

Tribal Consultation and Permitting

• The MOA with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has been finalized and awaits signature.
• In-person meetings with Yakama Nation are scheduled in February.
• Nez Perce coordination continues; Warm Springs has not yet engaged.

---

Right-of-Way and Environmental Permitting

• The board authorized a letter to FHWA requesting approval to begin right-of-way acquisition for Parcel #17 in Washington.
• A formal resolution authorizing condemnation was approved as part of compliance with the Real Estate Acquisition Management Plan (RAMP).
• Stormwater design continues: The bridge will be slightly sloped to drain runoff to the outer edges. Efforts are underway to share existing ponds where possible.
• Bridge monitoring systems at SDS Lumber and Mount Adams Fruit are being brought online by the end of the month.

---

Tolling and Operations Planning

• The tolling team has begun field work and is developing a "Concept of Operations."
• Commissioner Babitz reiterated that he wants the bridge to ultimately be owned and operated by one of the state DOTs.
• Conversations continue about long-term operations, including tolling, snow removal, and maintenance.

---

Finance and Legislative Risks

• The authority remains fully funded for design and HNTB’s contract through Sept. 2027.
• However, no new state funding is available until July 2027; land acquisition and construction depend on INFRA grant execution.
• Washington faces a $3 billion general fund deficit; Oregon is pursuing up to $300M in cuts. While bridge funds are technically safe, pressure on transportation budgets is rising.

---

Communications and Outreach

• New renderings and a refreshed website are live.
• Social media posts about the ROD received over 24,000 views.
• The communications team is planning outreach to local high schools and may sponsor internships.

---

Action Items Passed

• Invoice approvals (Consent Agenda)
• Authorization to initiate right-of-way process for Parcel #17
• Resolution 2026-1 authorizing condemnation, if needed
• Approval of intergovernmental agreement with City of White Salmon for minor public works tasks

---

Upcoming

• In-water drilling starts late January.
• Bridge Investment Program (BIP) award decisions still pending.
• Next HRWSBA meeting: January 26, 2026

---

For more meeting info, visit https://hrwsba.gov

To volunteer or learn more about joining the board: https://upliftlocal.news/would-you-volunteer-to-help-oversee-our-billion-dollar-bridge