POTENTIAL BRIDGE TOLL INCREASE Q & A

Why is a toll increase necessary?
The Port needs to maintain the Bridge in a safe and operational condition for many years. Earlier this year, the Port completed an analysis that identified maintenance needs and capital projects that are likely to occur over the next 30 years. The Port needs to have enough project funds and reserves to meet these demands. The most immediate project is the beginning of Bridge repainting, a project designed to protect fracture critical Bridge components like gusset plates from deteriorating and preventing pack-rust corrosion. The Port has set aside $1.30 million in Fiscal Year 2011/12 to begin this work. Additional expensive projects are expected in the future.

Is there information that supports the need for a toll increase?
Yes. The Port's bridge engineer HNTB Corporation prepared Bridge Long-Term Preservation Modeling - Deterioration Modeling & Future Expenditures for the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge, dated June 9, 2011, for the Bridge. HNTB has a wealth of engineering experience with this Bridge and structures around the county, including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Why can't the Port use existing funds?
Since the last toll increase in 1994, the Port has invested more than $16 million into the Bridge's infrastructure. Major projects include $350,126 for seismic reinforcement, $1.75 million to widen the Bridge's Washington approach, $2.2 million to rehabilitate the lift span, $3.7 million to construct a four-lane toll plaza and introduce BreezeBy electronic tolling and $8.1 million to replace the steel deck.

The Port is currently facing a Bridge painting project estimated at $4.75 million. All of these projects have diminished the Port's reserves. It does not appear that federal or state assistance will be available for Bridge painting. The Port also needs to maintain adequate funds for unforeseen projects that may occur.

Why not replace the Bridge?
Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is working with regional entities to find a long-term solution to replace the existing Bridge. Its SR-35 Columbia River Crossing Study in 2004 concluded that the Bridge needs to be replaced, and identified a new alignment just west of the existing Bridge as the preliminary preferred alternative. It also identified short-term and near-term solutions, including an automated toll collection system and traffic signals at key intersections, which are now in place. The RTC's Final Report recommended a tolling that supported 37 percent of future bridge construction costs estimated at $170 million to $180 million in 2004 dollars. Recent engineers' estimates suggest a new bridge would cost approximately $250 million.

What would the toll increase pay for?
Increased Bridge tolls would offset costs of the pending painting projects and help build reserves for more maintenance that will be required to keep the Bridge safe and viable for the next 30 years. The proposed toll increase is anticipated to contribute approximately $600,000 annually to help offset these increased costs.

When would tolls be raised?
The Port budget contemplates a toll increase in January 2012 to $1 for cash users and a discounted rate of $0.75 for BreezeBy users. The Port Commission's action to raise the toll is expected in September, but no decision date has been confirmed.

How did the Port determine the specific toll increase?
It is only practical to raise the cash toll in increments of $0.25. Tolls will increase from $0.75 to $1 for typical cash users (33 percent), and from $0.63 cents to $0.75 for BreezeBy users (19 percent). Both are less than the cumulative Consumer Price Index from 1994, when the last toll increase occurred. It is anticipated that BreezeBy and bulk ticket prices will maintain the same percentage discount as they have now, providing a large discount.

Why is the toll different for cash vs. transponder?
The costs associated with cash transactions averages $0.75 per transaction, compared to a BreezeBy average per-transaction cost of about $0.15. It also provides a benefit to local commuters and small businesses.

Do all Bridge revenues pay for Bridge projects?
No. The Port dedicated the 1994 $0.25 toll increase to the Bridge Repair and Replacement Fund. The balance of the toll is used on Bridge projects and other Port properties, including industrial and recreation properties vital to local employment.

Why not use property taxes to support the Bridge?
The Port's tax rate is among the lowest in Hood River County: 0.0332 per thousand, or $3.32 for a $100,000 home. Fiscal Year 2011/12 tax collections are estimated at $55,990.

Will a toll increase have an impact on lower income Bridge users?
There could be a decrease in discretionary trips. However all motorists will be encourage to set up a BreezeBy account to take advantage of the program's toll discount.

Is other local, state or federal money available to maintain the Bridge?
Neither Oregon nor Washington contributes to the Bridge's maintenance. Federal help has been received in the past on some Bridge capital projects, but this source of funding has evaporated in recent years. No gas tax dollars are used to support the Bridge. No city, county or education tax revenues support the Bridge. The Port is the only agency responsible to keep the Bridge open, safe and operational.

Can public transit help?
The Port is exploring these opportunities, including fixed-route transportation, with local public transit agencies - like Washington's Mt. Adams Transportation Service and Oregon's Columbia Area Transit. In summer 2011, Mt. Adams Transportation Service began regular bus routes between White Salmon/Bingen and Hood River (Click here for schedule).

Can alternative transportation, like bicycles, be used on the Bridge?
Bicycle access on the Bridge has been considered a number of times. A September 2009 study - Non-Motorized Crossing Alternatives at the Hood River Bridge - investigated this issue. Noting the Bridge's narrow travel lanes and heavy vehicle traffic made the Bridge unsuitable for non-motorized traffic, the study recommended establishing new or expanded fix-route transit services with bicycle rack-equipped transit vehicles and, if a year round fixed-route transit service is determined financially unfeasible, the development of informal rideshare pick-up and drop-off sites combined with seasonal fixed-route transit service.

What is BreezeBy, and how to I get an account?
Activated in 2007, BreezeBy is an automated tolling system designed to accelerate commute times and make Bridge crossing more convenient for regular users. Motorists who establish secure BreezeBy accounts are able to roll through the toll plaza without stopping to pay toll. Users 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. When an account gets low, users have the option of having their account automatically reloaded, or replenish by phone. Credit cards, cash and checks can be used for BreezeBy account deposits.

Since its introduction, BreezeBy has proven popular and efficient. An estimated 40 percent of regular Bridge users have BreezeBy accounts.

 

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