Civic Affairs By STEVE SWITZER
Will Boone Bridge be replaced or expanded ? Since 2013 , when my wife and I purchased a home here in Charbonneau , the subject of the
SWITZER Boone Bridge
( I-5 over the Willamette River ) has been a topic of discussion . Every once in a while we get an update on the status of the bridge : “ When will it be rebuilt ?” “ Will it be expanded ?” etc .
As anything in government , many things factor into the decisions regarding improvements to the bridge . The Boone Bridge is a critical life line for those of us here in Charbonneau . As we are told , when the northwest experiences
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its next major earthquake , the bridge will more than likely not survive . And , as you know , our waterline from Wilsonville is attached to the bridge .
Most of the funding for the construction of a new bridge will come from federal grants . That money is controlled by our regional council of our Metro regional government . The Oregon Department of Transportation ( ODOT ) makes the decisions on each project ’ s priority . The two agencies work together to create and manage the regional transportation plan .
So , where are we at ? Well , first everyone agrees that the bridge cannot be repaired or retrofitted . That is where the agreement ends .
When will this happen ? Even with federal funding , that question remains unanswered .
Will we have additional lanes ? And that is where there is a clear fork in the road . We are in a time where several competing interests will soon be at odds . There are some that believe that
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additional freeway lanes would lead to more growth to the south and are opposed . Others believe that additional lanes for cars will contribute to climate change and propose moving the funds to pedestrian and bicycle paths . Proponents of increased lanes argue that the pollution caused by vehicles stuck in traffic far exceeds that of cars moving at freeway speeds . They also say the increase in electric vehicles will offset the other factors .
Whatever side you are on , we encourage you to pay attention to the issue . ODOT is suggesting that it will only support the bridge replacement if we support its efforts to implement toll roads on I-205 . The Metro Council , although obscure , has several members that are adamantly opposed to increased lanes for the bridge .
With the election coming up in November , this will be an important issue for us here in Charbonneau . Candidates at all levels should be able to tell us where they stand on the bridge issue .
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CCC Activities By JENNIFER WAGGONER
Don ’ t miss the Charbonneau garage sale |
Happy Fourth of July
The Charbonneau Country Club office will be closed on Monday July 4 . Did you know that the first Fourth of July was celebrated in 1777 with fireworks and parades ?
American Red Cross Blood Drive
The American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place at the Charbonneau Country Club ’ s event center Fireplace Room from 10 a . m . to 3 p . m . Thursday , July 14 . Please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-733- 2767 or visit redcrossblood . org to schedule an appointment .
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Scrapbooking and cardmaking
Charbonneau has a new scrapbook group that meets once a month to share ideas , make new friends and have fun . We meet at the activity center in the Wilson Room from 9 a . m . to 9 p . m . Our next get together is July 23 . Bring a lunch or you can order from the Market Café ( formally the Turn ). We will order pizza and salad for dinner at a cost of $ 10 per person . For more information , contact Jennifer at 503-694-2300 or jennifer @ charbonneaucountryclub . com .
Charbonneau Community Wide Garage Sale
Do not miss the Charbonneau Community Wide Garage Sale from 8 a . m . to 2 p . m . July 29-30 . For more information contact the Country Club office at 503-694- 2300 or office @ charbonneaucountryclub . com .
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