U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced on Tuesday that he has secured language in the final congressional transportation agreement to help improve roads and bridges in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (NSA).
The long-term, bipartisan transportation agreement between the Senate and the House reauthorizes and reforms federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs. It is expected to be passed by both chambers in the coming days.
“Residents and visitors alike depend on efficient and safe transportation in the Columbia Gorge,” Walden said. “The federal government must recognize that unique areas like the Gorge should be eligible for transportation projects to replace crumbling roads and bridges. When this proposal becomes law soon, it will be a win for Gorge residents, visitors, and our local economy.”
There are currently 12 NSA’s in eight states across the nation, including the Columbia Gorge NSA — the largest in the country. The Columbia River Gorge NSA consists of 292,500 acres along 85 miles of the Columbia River. Ninety percent of the total NSA is subject to strict land use and development restrictions, which has posed a distinct challenge to promoting the local economy, while providing opportunities for tourists to visit from around the country, and conserving the natural beauty of the Columbia Gorge.
The Gorge has major transportation elements like the Hood River Bridge and the Bridge of the Gods. While approximately 5.2 million vehicles and $110 million in goods travel across these bridges each year, they are in need of major improvements, Walden said.
