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| IBR Program Hosts Event for the Region’s Construction Industry |
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| On May 6, more than 300 people representing construction-related firms of all sizes came to the Portland Expo Center for an event hosted by the Interstate Bridge Replacement program. The gathering was intended to provide information to contractors, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers, specialty service providers, minority and women-owned businesses about the proposed packaging and delivery of IBR investments, kindle interest in future opportunities and share how they can get involved. Attendees heard a presentation about IBR activities to date and future next steps, resources to encourage participation by women- and minority-owned businesses, and how to work with program partners such as ODOT, WSDOT, C-TRAN and TriMet. The audience also got a first look at the program’s draft plan to deliver program investments through over two dozen separate construction packages, potential delivery methods being considered, estimated contract value ranges and durations. These contract packages and their cost ranges are still subject to change as the program continues to collect feedback, refines its cost estimate and advances design. |
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| The presentation was followed by a Q&A session with several leaders representing the program’s administration, procurement and equity teams. Questions ranged from curiosity regarding Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals and credit and bonding support for small businesses to federal standards for materials and testing, delivery methods, and when more detailed information will be available to contractors. Following the Q&A, attendees had an opportunity to chat one-on-one with representatives of the IBR program regarding details about the proposed construction packages, potential procurement methods and resources for small businesses. ODOT, WSDOT, TriMet and C-TRAN also hosted booths offering more information on how to do business with each agency and get registered as a vendor. The open house also provided a unique opportunity for networking between larger construction firms that might bid on bigger contract packages and smaller firms or consultants looking to subcontract on specific elements of those large contracts. “It was very informative,” said Mpaleng Khotule, principal agent of Agape Insurance & Bonding based in Aloha, Oregon. “It was a lot to chew on, but at the same time, very specific information about what the project is. For me personally, it will be good information for me to take back to my small contractor clients.” |
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| Paula Parrott is President and Principal Hydrogeologist of her firm, Parrott Environmental Consulting. As a registered DBE operating in Oregon and Washington, she was interested in attending to learn about what resources the IBR program and its partners will provide to help encourage firms like hers to engage in contracting on this generational opportunity to rebuild the Interstate Bridge. “I think it’s really exciting to hear about all the different packages that are going to be let out, that there’s going to be a lot of opportunities, and there seems to be a real commitment to working with DBE firms,” Parrott said. “It will be nice to see the individual agencies hopefully create some more smaller spaces for the DBEs to connect with the larger firms.” The IBR program plans to continue hosting events for businesses of varying sizes to connect with each other and the agencies, stay up to date on the latest activities of the program and learn about new information as it becomes available. The program has created two new webpages intended to host information for small and disadvantaged businesses, as well as potential contracting opportunities in the near future. Please visit interstatebridge.org/DBEpartners and interstatebridge.org/opportunities to learn more. What’s Been Happening Release of Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to come later in 2024 The IBR program is currently performing the required technical review of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) in coordination with our federal partners, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration. This comprehensive review ensures the information in the document is complete and accurate. Coordination with federal partners is ongoing but takes time to ensure the information is fully vetted. The goal of the program had been to publish the Draft SEIS in the spring, but with the review process still underway, more time will be needed before the program is able to release the document. The program is working with its federal partners to identify the anticipated timing of publication later this year and will take proactive steps to update the public as the timeline becomes clear. Upon completion of the technical review, FHWA and FTA will send the document for a 30-day legal review and then the Draft SEIS will be published, followed by a 60-day public comment period for the community to provide feedback. Recent Meeting Summaries Equity Advisory Group (EAG) — April 15 The EAG heard updates on program activities from Program Administrator Greg Johnson and on individual meetings the program held with EAG members in January as part of the group’s goal setting process. Principal Equity Officer Johnell Bell shared key insights from those discussions which included underscoring the crucial role of engaging communities and identifying economic opportunities for equity priority communities; advocacy for forward-thinking, inclusive long-term plans with the bridge as the focal point for community unity; and concerns around the effectiveness of virtual meetings. The group heard updates from IBR community engagement staff and activity within the Community Benefits Advisory Group. The meeting concluded with a discussion with IBR’s urban design team on the Hayden Island and Vancouver transit stations. Community Benefits Advisory Group (CBAG) — April 25 Members of the CBAG received a program update before hearing a presentation on the IBR program’s Tribal Government consultation and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This included the emphasis that tribal consultation is not a community engagement effort, rather it is negotiations and relationship building with sovereign nations outlined by state law in both Washington and Oregon. They also learned the steps with which the program will initiate Section 106 proceedings, identify historic properties, assess effect and resolve potential impacts. CBAG members learned this process is guided by a programmatic agreement expected to be drafted this spring. The meeting ended with an overview of the group’s workplan and a conversation identifying examples of potential community benefits followed by small group discussions. Myth vs. Fact Myth: IBR construction packages will be too large for small, women- and minority-owned businesses to participate in contracting. Fact: The IBR program is committed to maximizing Disadvantage Business Enterprise participation on future contracts. The program recently released draft project delivery and conceptual packaging plans that outline how investments proposed for the five-mile program area could be constructed. It is anticipated that there will be over two dozen contracts of various sizes. There will be many opportunities for small and disadvantaged business enterprises to participate in these contracts. The program is continuing to explore opportunities for smaller packages that are intended to be attainable for smaller firms, and there will be ample opportunity to sub-contract on larger contracts or work directly for ODOT, WSDOT, C-TRAN or TriMet. Further refinements will continue as the program advances toward construction and details around schedule and cost are confirmed. On the Horizon Upcoming Advisory Group Meetings & Events Equity Roundtable: Pathways to Active Transportation Tuesday, May 21 — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Equity Advisory Group Monday, May 20 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bi-State Tolling Subcommittee Thursday, May 23 — 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Community Benefits Advisory Group Thursday, May 23 — 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meetings & Events Calendar IBR Office Hours Do you have questions and want to speak to a real person? We answer questions on a range of topics, including design, equity, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise opportunities, community engagement, financial plans, and much more! Join us for IBR office hours, in person or virtually, and get your questions answered! NOTE: No new technical data will be available until the release of the environmental documentation. Please make a 30-minute reservation at least 24 hours in advance. There are three ways you can make a reservation: Visit: SignUpGenius Email: info@interstatebridge.org Call: 888-503-6735 Please provide your contact information and what you would like to talk about. We will confirm your appointment and provide meeting details upon confirmation. See you there! |
 Emails us at info@interstatebridge.org or call 360-859-0494 (Washington), 503-897-9218 (Oregon), 888-503-6735 (toll-free). The IBR program is subject to Oregon and Washington public records laws. Therefore, public comments and questions (verbal or written) may be made available to anyone requesting them for non-commercial purposes.Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights Title VI accommodations in Oregon For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information for those in Oregon, please call 503-731-4128, TTY 800-735- 2900 or Oregon Relay Service 711. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI accommodations in Washington Accommodation requests for people with disabilities in Washington can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Title VI Coordinator by contacting (360) 705-7090. Copyright © 2024 Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program11018 NE 51st CircleVancouver, WA98682-6686 |
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Parade Guides 
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Federal Support for Flood Safety 
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Join our community partners for the Slough Celebration 2024 on Saturday, May 18, from 2 – 6 PM at Whitaker Ponds, as the Columbia Slough Watershed Council marks 22 years of nonprofit service.
East Columbia Neighborhood Association 