Contact: Doug Hecox, 202-366-0660
FHWA 19-04d

Travel from Portland to Sauvie Island will get easier and safer, thanks to a new $144,210 Federal Highway Administration grant to help replace the Sauvie Island Bridge, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.

"The Sauvie Island Bridge is a vital link for the island's residents and for the thriving agricultural economy that depends on the bridge to move goods to market," said Secretary Mineta. "As our economy continues driving ahead, the Bush Administration continues investing in projects that fuel opportunity and prosperity in communities across America."

The bridge, built in 1950, provides the only road access to the island and supports hundreds of agricultural workers and millions of customers throughout the United States and overseas.

The island's economy depends on heavy trucks to deliver supplies and carry goods, such as produce, dairy products and lumber, to market. The existing bridge cannot accommodate truckloads over 40 tons.

Traffic has taken its toll on the bridge. Experts estimate the bridge's remaining life expectancy is five to seven years.

"President Bush knows that transportation investments are ensuring that goods make it to store shelves, and helping Oregonians get to their jobs and home again safely and on time," said Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters.

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