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83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2025 Regular Session
House Bill 2184
Sponsored by Representative HELFRICH, Senator BONHAM (Presession filed.)
SUMMARY
The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject
to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the
measure as introduced.The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability
standards.
Digest: The Act tells the State Treasurer to issue bonds over two biennia to fund a new bridge.
(Flesch Readability Score:75.1).
Directs the State Treasurer to issue general obligation bonds for the Hood River-White Salmon
Bridge replacement project in the biennia beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2027.
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to transportation.
Whereas the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge is a critical transportation link serving
the economy, safety and resiliency of the Columbia River Gorge; and
Whereas the bridge serves as a vital connection for communities on both sides of the river, is
a vital link between the agricultural heartland and ocean ports, and provides essential daily access
to jobs, childcare, schools and medical services; and
Whereas the existing bridge, constructed over 100 years ago, was not built to modern safety
standards, is seismically vulnerable and is nearing the end of its usable life; and
Whereas the construction of the new bridge will create approximately 250 construction jobs at
its peak, with wages paid to workers in construction trades stimulating economic growth by at-
tracting new businesses; and
Whereas improving the efficiency of truck and maritime freight movement will further state and
regional economic development; and
Whereas the replacement bridge will be designed to modern safety and seismic standards, while
also significantly improving the reliability and efficiency of operations and maintenance over its
lifespan;and
Whereas the bridge replacement project recently secured over $200 million in federal investment
in addition to existing state commitments; and
Whereas a $105 million commitment in 2025 ensures that work may continue without inter-
ruption due to lack of Oregon matching funds; and
Whereas the Legislative Assembly supports the Hood River- White Salmon Interstate Bridge
replacement project through an additional investment of $105 million; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. In addition to and not in lieu of any authorization to issue general obligation
bonds under ORS 286A.035, in the biennium beginning July 1, 2025, the State Treasurer shall
issue general obligation bonds authorized under Article XI, section 7, of the Oregon Consti-
tution, in an amount that produces $75,000,000 of net proceeds for the Hood River-White
Salmon Bridge replacement project, plus an amount estimated by the State Treasurer to pay
bond-related costs.
NOTE:Matter in boldfaced type in an amended section is new; matter [italic and bracketed] is existing law to be omitted.
New sections are in boldfaced type.
LC 1582 HB2184
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SECTION 2. In addition to and not in lieu of any authorization to issue general obligation
bonds under ORS 286A.035, in the biennium beginning July 1, 2027, the State Treasurer shall
issue general obligation bonds authorized under Article XI, section 7, of the Oregon Consti-
tution, in an amount that produces $30,000,000 of net proceeds for the Hood River-White
Salmon Bridge replacement project, plus an amount estimated by the State Treasurer to pay
bond-related costs.
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