Major Decision Points

The planning process for the Columbia River Crossing project is marked by five major milestones:

Define the problem and identify criteria for evaluating alternatives
Identify the range of alternatives to be considered
Identify alternatives to be considered in the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
Identify the preferred alternative
Secure federal approval for the preferred alternative

Each milestone will build on the previous one and establish the actions needed to arrive at the next step. Many ideas for solutions will be discussed and analyzed during the decision-making process. They will be packaged into alternatives, each including highway, transit, freight, pedestrian, and bicycle elements or "components."

The process leading up to each milestone will involve study and input focused around four areas: public involvement, engineering, environmental analysis, and funding. Each of these information "streams" will funnel information into the milestones.

Steps in the Process

Public involvement efforts will be ongoing throughout the project. You may provide input directly on the Submit Comments page. Your comments will also be sought at open houses, festivals, and community meetings, as well as online through this website.

Throughout the project, the Columbia River Crossing project team will gather and analyze information on the existing natural and community resources in the project area. They will also evaluate the impacts and benefits of the proposed alternatives.