System transponders enable discounted tolls for both toll bridges in the Gorge

The
Port of Hood River’s BreezeBy electronic
tolling system has been operational at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks
since January 6.

Bridge users who have signed up for BreezeBy
will pay only $1.25 per crossing at the Bridge of the Gods, and $1.00 at the
Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge, versus $2.00 cash tolls at both
bridges. (Toll rates depend on vehicle class, with larger class vehicle tolls
determined by the number of axles.)

BreezeBy transponders can now be used for payment on the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks.

Current Port of Hood River BreezeBy customers
don’t need to do anything to be able to use their transponders on the Bridge of
the Gods. BreezeBy customer account statements will depict which bridge was
crossed for each charge to the account balance.

In Cascade Locks, BreezeBy transponders replace
the Port of Cascade Locks “Local Stickers” and coupon books that have
traditionally provided local commuters with discounted tolls. After February 3,
coupons are no longer valid for toll payment on the Bridge of the Gods, but
customers can convert unused bridge coupon value to BreezeBy account credit at
either Port office during regular business hours.

This photo illustrates the proper installation location for BreezeBy transponders.

New BreezeBy customers can open an account
online and receive their transponders in the mail. There are no fees to open an
account, and each account receives one transponder for free; each additional
transponder costs $5.00.

New accounts can be created online at
portofcascadelocks.org or portofhoodriver.com. There is no required personal
identification to open an account, but each transponder is linked to a specific
vehicle so the make, model, color, year, and license plate number is required.
New customers should expect to receive their new transponders in the mail
within 3-4 business days, depending on the volume of orders.  New customers can also open accounts at
either Port office during regular business hours. New accounts cannot be
created at the toll booths, however, due to traffic flow and safety concerns. 

The “BreezeBy” system was first implemented for
the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge in 2006, establishing the first
electronic tolling system in Oregon. The system utilizes prepaid funds and
transponders to facilitate faster commutes through the toll plaza and provide
user discounts.

For more information, contact the Port of
Cascade Locks via email to rvollans@portofcascadelocks.org or stop by the Port
office at office at 427 Portage Road in Cascade Locks. Questions can also be
directed to the Port of Hood River via email to porthr@gorge.net, or visit the
Port office at 1000 E. Port Marina Drive in Hood River.

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In 2020, the Port of Hood River will initiate major updates to its Strategic Business Plan (Plan), the guiding document for the Port Commission and staff regarding policies, operations, and projects over the next five or more years.

The process to prepare
the Plan, including its final content and structure, must address significant
future challenges on the horizon. As such, the organization has identified numerous key considerations to be covered in the Plan process.

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From the Port of Hood River Winter 2020 Newsletter

Together

The Port of Hood River has 31 full and part-time regular employees. Of these, 10 reside in the State of Washington. The aggregate annual salary and benefits of our Washington employees equals about $850,000. This is a simple reflection of the bi-state nature of the Mid-Columbia Region. Whenever a new job position is open, applications are received from both states. We hire the best candidate, no matter the zip code. As we should.

Executive Director Michael McElwee

More generally, the Port’s
efforts provide tangible benefits to residents of both states. When the salmon
are running or during the summer boating season, you’ll often see Washington
license plates in the majority at the Marina parking lot. Parks, trails, and
recreation sites on the Hood River Waterfront are used by, and benefit, all.
Businesses in Port buildings draw employees from throughout the bi-state area.
The Gorge economy is driven primarily by the people and businesses in our small
region in Oregon and Washington.

The Hood River-White Salmon
Interstate Bridge itself is a tangible example of bi-state connectivity. A
critical link in the region’s transportation system, it connects people to
services, jobs, schools, health and medical care on both sides of the Columbia
River. But as is well known, the bridge is nearly 100 years old. The need to
replace it is more important than ever, but the project is very large for our
area’s population size. We are a collection of small, rural communities remote
from urban areas that more frequently attract attention for sizable federal or
state funding commitments needed for such projects. We are making solid strides
toward bridge replacement, but expect the journey to be a long one.

Thankfully, that bi-state nature of the Mid-Columbia region is our greatest strength. Because of it, we have access to senior elected officials in both states, two state transportation departments, and twice the brain power, resources, support, and political influence. Because of it, a group of consultants, staff and government representatives from both states have been working together to complete the three-year long federal environmental review process, a critical first step. Now a smaller group of local officials representing the cities of Bingen, White Salmon and Hood River, along with Hood River and Klickitat counties have begun meeting to anticipate the significant permitting, funding, and ownership hurdles ahead. We are grateful for this bi-state cooperation and focused work effort. Without it, successful bridge replacement is unlikely. For its part, the Port of Hood River must also look to a future without a bridge. We are currently working to update our Strategic Business Plan that guides priorities, policies, and projects over the next six years. Within this timeframe, I believe it will become clear whether the bridge can be replaced, or whether a large capital investment will need to be made to the existing bridge to keep it functioning safely. At that time, either way, the Port’s operations will need to undergo significant changes.

Michael McElwee,  Port Executive Director

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