The Columbia River Crossing project held two open houses April 12 & 13, 2006 at Hudson's Bay High School, in Vancouver, and the Red Lion Hotel at Jantzen Beach, in Portland. More than 200 people attended to learn which ideas to address congestion and safety are recommended to move forward for additional analysis. The documents linked on this page allow you to view the information presented at the April open houses.

Public comments on the information presented at these events were gathered by April 20, 2006, both by email and by completing the comment form. Comments on other phases or aspects of the Columbia River Crossing project may be submitted at anytime by sending an email to the project team.

Some of the items on display and handouts available at the open houses:

• Event Guide
• Informational Poster Boards, which were based on the Staff Report
• Project Background
• Introducing the Ideas: Crossing the River
• Introducing the Ideas: Public Transit
• Public Review and Comment
• Staff Report: Draft Components Step A Screening Report - March 22, 2006
• Project Update - April 11, 2006
• A Quick Guide to the Ideas
• Safety in the I-5 Project Area
• Comment Form
• Help Us Connect with You! - Please print out and send to the address below.

You can also sign up to be placed on our mailing list.

Three open houses marked the public launch of the Columbia River Crossing project in October. The events, which drew more than 160 people, were held at Jantzen Beach SuperCenter in Portland, Clark College in Vancouver, and the offices of Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs in Portland.

Participants got a first-hand look at the issues driving the project and had the opportunity to pose questions to project staff and provide input on concerns. A series of visual displays - or storyboards - helped people better understand project issues and processes, addressing such questions as:

• What's the problem?
• How will we find a solution?
• What is important to you?

Attendees were invited to provide input by filling out comment forms and a survey. Jay Lyman, Columbia River Crossing Consultant Team Project Manager, led two discussions at the final two open houses on October 25 and October 27. Many people also picked up copies of the first two project newsletters and a children's coloring map of the project area.