The Washington State Legislature directed the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) to contract for legal advice to analyze and recommend options for a bi-state bridge authority to build and operate a bridge to replace the current span connecting Hood River, Oregon and White Salmon, Washington.
The JTC's consulting attorney is to identify and recommend a statutory vehicle required to authorize the bi-state bridge authority to:
- Issue bonds for bridge construction;
- Collect tolls; and
- Secure and administer state or federal grants and loans.
The JTC contracted with the Legislature's independent bond council, Pacifica Law Group, to provide the analysis. Working with the Bi-State Working Group overseeing the bridge project, Pacifica developed recommendations for creation of a governing authority with the necessary authority. The JTC's legal consultant will present her conclusions to the JTC at its September 23, 2021 meeting.
Budget: $50,000
JTC Staff: Paul Neal, Dave Catterson
STC & HTC Staff: Kim Johnson, David Munnecke
Report Due Date: September 30, 2021
Presented at JTC Meeting 9-23-21:
Hood River Bridge Study
Final Legal Memo - Hood River Bridge Bi-State Authority