Advisor selected for Columbia bridge

The Port of Hood River has awarded an advisory contract to advance the bridge replacement project on the Columbia River.

The Oregon port authority’s board has approved the award of the traffic & revenue advising contract to Stantec.

Among the tasks under the contract is to review and develop traffic and revenue scope of work including a tentative budget and schedule that aligns with the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) process. Stantec is to consider both traditional municipal financing and P3 tracks.

Kevin Greenwood, Bridge Replacement Project Director told P3 Bulletin the FEIS process is “going well”.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has agreed to serve as lead federal agency for the FEIS process, with most of FHWA’s responsibilities for review to be delegated to Oregon DOT.  Greenwood added Washington State is supportive of the Port of Hood River’s role as lead during NEPA.

He also noted they should be ready to identify financing and procurement options in late 2019.

Meanwhile, Governor Kate Brown has released a plan to prepare Oregon for the expected Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Resiliency 2025 urges more investments in seismic upgrades of schools and emergency services buildings throughout Oregon, and other infrastructure upgrades.