Commissioner McKeel and others sign Declaration of Cooperation for Historic Columbia River Highway

In celebration of the Historic Columbia River Highway centennial and the commitment to improve it in the future, Commissioner Diane McKeel, State Representative Mark Johnson, Karmen Fore of Governor Kate Brown’s Office, and dozens of others devoted to the Oregon Solutions Historic Columbia River Highway Collaborative gathered for the signing of a Declaration of Cooperation. The declaration unites local communities, land managers and agencies in a common goal: to work together to improve safety, reduce congestion and enhance visitors experience in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

As the Columbia Gorge continues to attract millions of visitors each year, so does the use of its scenic two-lane highway hailed the “King of Roads.”  The project team has already taken a number of steps to improve congestion with public and private shuttle services* aimed at reducing cars on the road and parking and pedestrian circulation efforts to improve pedestrian safety. The declaration of cooperation pledges continued cooperation as the scenic site become more popular.  

The signings took place at Multnomah Falls Lodge. As the collaborative’s co-convener, Commissioner McKeel will among many duties: support project funding by seeking-agreements with project stakeholders, granting agencies and private parties and coordinate efforts with partners on any projects that overlap with roads in unincorporated Multnomah County. 

Other collaborative stakeholders include: the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Solutions, Community of Corbett, USDA Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge Commission, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Travel Oregon , Western Federal Lands Highway Division, and Oregon Parks & Recreation.

*Gray Line of Portland: This is a private shuttle service aimed at reducing the number of vehicles in the Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge tours began May 2, and increase to four days per week on May 23 and to daily runs on June 13. The shuttle departs from downtown Portland, McMenamin's Edgefield Manor, and downtown Troutdale.
Columbia Gorge Express: This Oregon Department of Transportation pilot transit service will operate in the summer months in 2016 and 2017. Visitors to the gorge can take the express on the weekends from the Gateway Transit Center in Portland to Multnomah Falls. Additionally, regular weekend service will transport visitors for free from Rooster Rock State Park to the falls. The public will be able to leave their cars behind and access the gorge through a public shuttle.