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

---

JAN. 1, 2012 BRIDGE TOLL INCREASE TAKES EFFECT

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.

---

STATE OF THE PORT ROTARY PRESENTATION

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.

---

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