WELCOME TO THE PORT OF HOOD RIVER
The Port of Hood River was created and incorporated
on July 28, 1933 as a result of the Bonneville Dam Project,
due to the expressed desire by the Oregon State Legislature
and the United States Government to develop industrial
land in the Columbia River Basin for jobs and economic
development. The Port today is governed by its Commission
composed of five elected members who continue to guide
efforts to initiate, promote and maintain quality of
life and a healthy economy throughout the Port District
and the Columbia River Gorge.
SOLICITATION ADVERTISEMENT FOR AUDITOR
The Port of Hood River is soliciting the services of qualified firms of certified public accountants to audit its financial statements for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2012 through June 30, 2014, with options to audit the Port of Hood Rivers' financial statements for each of the three (3) subsequent fiscal years. These audits are to be performed in accordance with the provisions contained in this request for proposals. The Request for Proposals document may be examined or obtained for no charge at the Port of Hood River at the above address, or by calling (541) 386-1645.
Sealed proposals must be submitted: Michael McElwee, Executive Director, Port of Hood River. The proposals may be delivered or mailed to the above addresses no later than 3:00 pm on April 30, 2012. The proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time.
Click here to download documents
Tolls increased on Hood River Interstate Bridge in
2012. The toll increase is dedicated to preserving the
structure for up to 30 years. It is the bridge's first
increase since 1994.
All increased toll revenues will be used for long-term
bridge capital improvement and maintenance projects
designed to keep the crossing safe and operational until
a replacement can be developed. Many of these issues
are described in this
presentation.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, cash bridge tolls increased
to $1 for one-way crossings; motorcycles pay 75 cents.
Trucks pay $1 per axle.
Electronic tolling, or BreezeBy, users receive a 25
percent discount, and discount tickets are available
with a 20 percent reduction.
The Port Commission's adopted resolution limits increased
tolls to projects specific to long-term bridge operation,
and to supporting mass transit. These include capital
projects, maintenance, operations and equipment.
The Port Commission completed its bridge toll deliberations
last fall after receiving an engineering report outlining
long-term capital and maintenance needs of the bridge,
which opened in 1924. The Commission began considering
the new toll structure following Budget Committee recommendations
to increase tolls over the past two years.
The HNTB Corporation-prepared engineering evaluation
shows that the bridge has deficiencies but is in remarkably
good condition for its age. Keeping the bridge functional
and safe is dependent on an ongoing commitment to regular
maintenance, inspections and repairs. These projects
are expected to cost $30 million through 2040.
The Port is investing $2.8 million into the current
painting project, which will protect the lower chords
and gusset plates of the bridge from pack-rust corrosion.
These fracture-critical steel connections must be regularly
maintained to ensure the bridge's long-term strength
and integrity. Future painting projects will be required.
To help mitigate the toll increase, the Port encourages
regular bridge users to participate in BreezeBy electronic
tolling, which provides a discounted rate compared to
cash tolls. Motorists who establish secure BreezeBy
accounts are able to roll through the toll plaza without
stopping to pay toll. They are given a windshield transponder
for their vehicle, and each time they cross the bridge
the discounted toll is automatically deducted from their
BreezeBy account.
The Port also is encouraging transit use. In summer
2011, Mt. Adams Transportation Service began regular
bus routes between White Salmon/Bingen and Hood River.
The Port is working with that agency to enhance bicycle
crossings, including a recent offer to purchase bicycle
racks for Mt. Adams Transportation vehicles.
Information about BreezeBy and transit service is available
at this link.
For more information, call the Port at (541) 386-1645.
BRIDGE PAINTING TO LIMIT DAYTIME TRAFFIC
A $2.8 million Hood River Interstate Bridge painting
project that began last summer continues, causing some
daytime traffic delays, according to the Port of Hood
River. Motorists can expect up to 15-minute delays between
6 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, when traffic
will be limited to a single lane. The project is scheduled
to be completed in late Spring 2012.
Due to the unusually mild and dry start to winter, the
project is ahead of schedule. At the beginning of 2012,
crews had completed all work north of the bridge lift
span, representing about one half of the total project.
Early this year crews are working on the bridge's southern
end.
Efforts will be made to keep traffic delays to five
minutes or less, and no delays will occur after 4 p.m.
on any scheduled work day.
Traffic flaggers will direct motorists around the work
area. Delays can be expected on weekdays throughout
the painting project. Emergency vehicle access will
be maintained.
Painting work is designed to enhance the
bridge's long-term viability. Painting will protect
structural bridge components, like gusset plates, from
pack-rust corrosion and other deterioration. The work
will occur under the bridge's traffic deck, but equipment
will require one traffic lane. S&K Painting Inc. is
the project contractor.
The project is weather-dependent. Delays may not occur
every day, but motorists should be prepared for restricted
traffic during project work hours. If the work schedule
changes, the Port of Hood River will promptly post the
information on this web page. Motorists who have registered
with the BreezeBy electronic tolling system and who
have provided email addresses will be automatically
notified of any schedule changes. Area media also will
be notified of any schedule changes.
For information on the bridge schedule, call the Port
at (541) 386-1645.
KGW-TV
Business Reporter Joe Smith (left) interviews (from left)
Port Executive Director Michael S. McElwee, Key Development
President Jeff Pickhardt and Turtle Island Foods Founder-President
Seth Tibbott for August 4, 2011 news segment.
PORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MAKES NEWS
KGW-TV Business Reporter Joe Smith's "Your
Money" report featured the Port of
Hood River on the Thursday, August 4, 2011 newscast.
Also included were local companies Turtle Island Foods'
Seth Tibbott and Hood River Juice Company's David Ryan,
along with Key Development President Jeff Pickhardt
who is developing three waterfront properties.
Port Executive Director Michael S. McElwee explained
the reasons behind the Port waterfront's economic boom,
with the Port's Halyard Building prominently featured
as the type of sustainable development occurring in
Hood River.
To view the segment, click here.
To read more about the waterfront's economic activity,
click here.
In early February 2011, Port Executive Director Michael
McElwee presented the agency's State of the Port to
Hood River Rotary. The presentation provided an update
on Port activities, recent work, current projects and
local economic development. Click here
to view the presentation.
WATERFRONT BUSINESS PARK OPEN FOR BUSINESS
.jpg)
Lots are now available at the Waterfront
Business Park. The site includes property
zoned for light industrial and commercial uses. The
Port of Hood River constructed the first structure,
the LEED-silver Halyard Building, to set the development
tone. This location features excellent transportation
access and is located near downtown Hood River. For
more information, click here.
MESSAGE FROM
MICHAEL S. McELWEE, Executive Director
On
behalf of the Port Commission and staff, we hope the
information on this web site will enhance your understanding
and knowledge of the Port of Hood River. We are proud
of our history of accomplishments in economic development,
transportation and recreation. We hope you will learn
about how we operate our public facilities, and current
projects that are being developed. In particular, implementation
of the BreezeBy electronic tolling and actions to develop
the waterfront demonstrate that the Port is committed
to its community stakeholders to facilitate job creation,
improve transportation and enhance the recreational
sites.
We encourage you to use the feedback areas on the web
site to express opinions and offer suggestions on Port
projects, operations, and facilities. The Port Commission
welcomes public input on all subjects when considering
policy actions.
Partnership Links: City
of Hood River, County
of Hood River, Hood
River Valley Parks & Recreation