Volunteer for the Annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup!
Let’s Make a Splash Together! Join the 2023 Beach & Riverside Cleanup.
Calling all nature enthusiasts and eco-conscious volunteers! The annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup is open for registration. Mark your calendars for September 9th to 17th, as SOLVE brings you over 60 project sites spanning the Oregon Coast, Portland, the Willamette Valley, and Southern Oregon – with the main events culminating on Saturday, September 16th. Whether you’re a coastal explorer or a city dweller there’s a site just for you!This event has become a cherished tradition for countless community members and families, and we invite everyone to be a part of our incredible journey towards environmental stewardship by volunteering at one of our many available beach cleanups, river cleanups, or habitat restoration events. Why Join?Be a part of decades of stewardship. This initiative has united communities and removed over 2.5 million pounds of litter and marine debris from Oregon’s waterways since its inception in 1986. Make a tangible impact. Last year, 3,000 volunteers removed 50,000 pounds of debris! Let’s make waves together! Saturday, September 16th is International Coastal Cleanup Day. SOLVE is teaming up with the Ocean Conservancy Group to be a part of the worldwide effort to eliminate trash from our coastline. SOLVE is dedicated to protecting and improving Oregon’s natural spaces, and we can’t do it without dedicated and passionate volunteers like yourself. Let’s keep Oregon pristine and breathtaking for generations to come. Together, we can turn the tide on pollution!SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup is in partnership with Subaru of Portland, and additional support from OnPoint Community Credit Union, Bamboo Sushi, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Metro, BottleDrop, Knife River, Koin, Fred Meyer, Chevron, Clean Water Services, Tillamook County Creamery Association, and Tektronix.
Event Highlight: Heart of Cartm Nehalem Bay Cleanup
At the end of summer, SOLVE mobilizes dozens of community-led projects and thousands of volunteers to protect and improve Oregon’s waterways from source to sea. This year, we are proud to highlight the Downtown Nehalem and Riverside Cleanup hosted by The City of Nehalem, in cooperation with Heart of Cartm. Every year an estimated eight-million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean, and 80% of all marine debris comes from inland sources. Come be part of the solution by joining this cleanup event.“The critical focus area of this Fall cleanup will be the flood zone in downtown Nehalem.” explains Jessi Just, Heart of Cartm Executive Director. “However, all roadside and yard litter will eventually get carried out to sea with rain and wind. Once it’s in the water, it becomes more costly to remove and a greater hazard to wildlife. Don’t let those King Tides take out your trash!” If you want to take part in this annual Oregon tradition, please register through the link on the button below.
Summer Update Friends and neighbors, I have kept busy this summer getting out in the community and preparing for the 2024 short legislative session. I wanted to take a moment to share with you some updates on the work that I have been doing so far this summer. I look forward to more community meetings and events. Save the Date: Fall Town Hall Click on flyer to RSVP for the Town Hall. Priorities Signed By Governor Kotek On August 15th, Governor Tina Kotek held a ceremonial signing for two of my priority bills:
HB 2002: Reproductive Health & Access to Care Act restores the abortion rights Oregonians had under Roe v. Wade, expands insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, and protects Oregon medical providers’ ability to give the best, most appropriate care to their patients.
HB 2697: Establishes ratios for healthcare workers that requires a minimum number of staff in a unit to provide safe patient care. Requires hospitals to establish technical staff and service staff staffing committees to develop staffing plans, in addition to nurse staffing committees.
Out in the Community
Post Session Town Hall
On July 27th, I joined Representative Dexter, Senator Steiner and Senator Frederick for a post session town hall. We discussed our priorities from the 2023 session that passed and what we are working on for the 2024 short legislative session. Community came out to show support for emergency routes for the St. Johns Peninsula, addiction services, and transportation.
Rosa Parks Elementary School Visit
I had an opportunity to tour Rosa Parks Elementary School. While there I got to see work being done to bridge academic gaps in their Summer Acceleration Academy. I’m looking forward to visiting & personally supporting more schools in HD 44.
Supporting SEIU 49 Workers
I’m proud to stand with SEIU 49 healthcare workers in their fight for a FAIR CONTRACT! Healthcare workers have sacrificed their time, energy & well being to care for us. It’s now time for employers to take care of them!
2023 Willamette Falls Lamprey Celebration
I had the pleasure of joining Representative Annessa Hartman at the Yakama Nation 2023 Willamette Falls Lamprey Celebration. It was great to learn more about the Yakama Nation and threats to the lamprey, one of their primary food sources.
Upcoming Events
Doula Conference
On September 8th, I will be speaking at the 2023 Second Annual SMC Doula Conference: Restoring the Village to Improve Birth Outcomes. If you would like to register for the conference, click the image below. Registration ends on August 25h.
Kenton Street Fair
I will be attending the Kenton Street Fair on Sunday, August 27th. I am excited to see all of the vendors and enjoy some local food.
I have added a Spanish version of my newsletter that will be posted shortly after the English newsletter is posted here. If you know of someone who would benefit from receiving my newsletter in Spanish, please send them this link to sign up. I look forward to attending more events this summer and fall. Please let my office know if you have ideas of places I should visit in North and Northeast Portland. Best,
Travis Nelson State Representative House District 44
Cleaner Air OregonCumulative Health Risk Pilot, VIRTUAL Listening SessionAug. 15, 2023, 2 to 3:30 p.m. AND Sept. 12, 2023, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Cleaner Air Oregon: Community Health Risk Pilot program is an opportunity to work with a community and learn how air pollution from many sources, all together, may affect their health.
This pilot project is an opportunity to look at how air pollution from many sources, all together, may affect the health. In 2018 the Oregon legislature, in Senate Bill (SB) 1541, per ORS 468A.339, granted DEQ the authority to conduct an area risk pilot study for assessing, and regulating, the cumulative health risks from the emissions of industrial air toxics. DEQ is in the first phase of this CAO Cumulative Health Risk Pilot and is seeking input from you for determining where the study should take place.
Community members are key sources of information for this pilot project therefore DEQ is hosting a listening session to receive feedback about additional considerations when choosing a pilot area beyond the requirements from the bill.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
![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)
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East Columbia Neighborhood Association 