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| Bi-state Legislative Committee receives update on Interstate Bridge Replacement |
| On July 28, the Interstate Bridge Replacement program provided updates to members of the Oregon and Washington legislatures that make up the IBR Bi-State Legislative Committee. Program updates included an overview of recent activity including conceptual bridge visualizations that the program released in May, anticipated funding sources including federal grant updates, and an overview of upcoming work as part of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) process, which builds on the National Environmental Policy Act work from previous planning efforts and focuses on components that have changed. Legislators stressed the importance of significant community engagement in addition to mitigating risks to cost and budget. Committee members also expressed interest in additional funding specifics and the details of the Draft SEIS, which will evaluate the benefits and impacts of the Modified Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for public review and comment. Community members also participated in the meeting by providing public comment during the committee meeting. Topics included sentiments about the size of the bridge, budget concerns, and the need for continual community education. You can access the video and meeting materials on both the Washington and Oregon legislative committee pages. |
| Office Hours Are Here! |
| Curious about the IBR program? Come to our Vancouver, Washington office, in person or virtually, and get your questions answered! Starting in August, the IBR team is offering weekly timeslots for community members to sign up for a 30-minute appointment to connect one-on-one with a member of the team. Office Hours will be available at various times and days of the week as we hope to make them as inclusive and accessible as possible. In an effort to ensure we have the right staff available to answer questions, community members are asked to sign up at least 24 hours in advance. You can view upcoming Office Hours opportunities on our Meetings & Events calendar and sign up for an appointment via SignUpGenius, by emailing info@interstatebridge.org, or by calling 888-503-6735. Please provide your contact information so that we can confirm your appointment and provide you with the necessary details. We look forward to connecting with you! |
| What’s Been Happening |
| Vancouver Pride |
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| On July 8, the IBR team attended Vancouver Pride, hosted at Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington. Our staff provided the opportunity for participants to learn about the program, ask questions, and share their feedback. Nearly 150 people stopped by the event table, and it’s clear there is a lot of anticipation for the program. |
![A rainbow colored graphic titled "2023 Vancouver Pride - What We Heard: with an illustration of people holding hands and five text bubbles that say "I'm excited about the light rail because I don't drive", "I think you guys are going in the right direction.", "Looking forward to the bridge being replaced.", "Hooray! I won't need to take three buses to work anymore!", and "Build a bridge [I] don't care how long it takes... also, [make it] safe!"](https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/LNNr-0YsdHmgTrELIB8jM2Nvb5mrHoDhm2xXs6cAS7Z9KXq3TCzMNUOyklX1PXUOsayd49TPlVtzbdU7iQ9NPS-OxAhh-6dLOAb-tHcvYqxo6S2GbTjKrY2sQUZunZBKA-C-aIXmJ6ikpZ9bZcN5wBpf43CSeA=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/40d641e35857d4cc409012952/images/e3066343-08de-ebb5-76db-8d4345e7584e.png) |
| Summer Outreach at Community Events |
| Our team is busy this summer visiting fairs, festivals and other community events to answer your questions about the program. Please stop by and see us at an upcoming event! The program will also continue to add opportunities to engage throughout 2023 – visit our events calendar and sign up for updates at www.InterstateBridge.org. |
| Recent Meeting Highlights |
| Community Advisory Group | July 13 – The Community Advisory Group (CAG) received program updates, including acknowledgement of the recent $1 billion funding commitment from the Oregon State Legislature, information on federal grants, and a summary of recent community events and meetings that the program attended. CAG members discussed the “people-first” design approach and their priorities as individuals and organizations. The design team presented program area investments and an aerial roll map highlighting investments at Hayden Island and Expo/Marine Drive. The presentation was followed by a conversation on urban design and the community values and characteristics that should be taken into consideration. Equity Advisory Group | July 17 – The Equity Advisory Group (EAG) was informed about the creation of the IBR Staff Equity Council, comprised of internal IBR staff from different disciplines; the EAG shared suggestions and tools the IBR Equity Council can use in implementing equity throughout the program. The design team presented elements of the program on the Oregon side and program investments, addressing questions asked at the last EAG meeting, including explaining how the Equity Framework is being applied. An outline for letters of support from the EAG for federal infrastructure grants was introduced, asking the EAG for feedback. |
| Leadership Spotlight |
| Aidan Gronauer | Civil Rights Manager |
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| Aidan Gronauer, civil rights manager for the IBR program, is a helper by nature. It’s a trait that lends itself perfectly to a career focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. “That’s just who I am,” says Gronauer. “It’s – part of my nature to – advocate for underserved and marginalized communities.” Aidan grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, the location of the July 1959 Freedom Rally led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. This event is widely acknowledged as the beginning of the modern American civil rights movement. “Growing up in Memphis and being surrounded by major civil rights issues and passionate advocates really made me an activist at heart,” he says. “Learning from the best civil rights leaders in the world taught me how to use my voice and fight for communities that have less privilege than me, and to fight for those marginalized communities to which I belong.” Aidan moved to Portland over 20 years ago and previously worked for Metro and TriMet, where he focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, civil rights, and sustainability. In his role for the program, Aidan champions IBR’s efforts to bring equity front and center. As an official representative for the Oregon and Washington state departments of transportation and the program’s eight partner agencies, his work involves ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, leading efforts to involve Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in the program and working with workforce development programs. “My position gives me a lot of opportunities to create work that is impactful, unique and collaborative,” he says. “I’ve done everything from transit and transportation to housing and schools, to multiple public arenas that all tie perfectly together with IBR. This program brings with it the ability to be innovative and collaborate with some of the brightest minds across the nation. I feel like I can help create something that has a true positive impact on local communities and can set a precedent for future megaprojects going forward.” Watch Video On the Horizon Upcoming Advisory Group Meetings Community Advisory Group Thursday, August 10 — 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Equity Advisory Group Monday, August 21 — 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM IBR Attendance at Upcoming Community Events Vancouver Waterfront Concert Series Thursday, August 10 — 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Annual Bridgeton Summer Picnic Saturday, August 12 — 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Providence Bridge Pedal Sunday, August 13 — 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Vancouver Sunday Sounds Concert Series Sunday, August 13 — 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Meetings & Events Calendar |
 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 © 2023 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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East Columbia Neighborhood Association 