Media contact:  Kelliann Amico, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, Public Information Officer: 503-897-9218 (Oregon), 360-859-0494 (Washington), 888-503-6735 (toll-free) | kelliann.amico@interstatebridge.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 25, 2023

Interstate Bridge Replacement program to hold kickoff meeting for Community Benefits Advisory Group

Group will recommend ways to leverage program work to achieve greatest benefits for the community 

Vancouver, WA –The bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement program will host a kickoff meeting for the newly formed Community Benefits Advisory Group from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27. The group will develop recommendations to achieve the greatest benefit for the communities in the program area and broader region from the program’s work, in alignment with the program’s equity framework and community priorities.

The inclusion of community benefits is becoming a best practice for large-scale development projects. The Community Benefits Advisory Group recommendations will build on efforts already integrated into the IBR program such as local street improvements and potential construction mitigations, as well as exploring opportunities to leverage the work of the program through other resources and partnerships.

The community benefits conversations are intended to help ensure that the IBR program’s investment aligns with the community’s future vision for the area, as well as complement the work of the program’s existing advisory groups. More information about the Community Benefits Advisory Group is available online. Questions about the group or other topics may be sent to info@interstatebridge.org or entered into our online comment form. Community members can also call 360-859-0494 (Washington), 503-897-9218 (Oregon) or 888-503-6735 (toll-Free).

Community Benefits Advisory Group kickoff meeting information

When: 2 to 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27
Where: Online on the IBR program’s YouTube channel
Details: An opportunity to provide verbal public comment during the meeting will be provided. Written comment can also be provided by emailing info@interstatebridge.org with “CBAG Public Comment” in the subject line. More information on how to provide verbal or written public comment is available on the meeting event link online.

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

Free WiFi access in Oregon is available at these locations:

• Peninsula Park Community Center, 700 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland, 97217
• Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 NE Knott Street, Portland, 97212
• Johns Community Center, 8427 N. Central Street, Portland, 97203
• Kenton Library, 8226 N. Denver Avenue, Portland, 97217
• Johns Library, 7510 N. Charleston Avenue, Portland, 97203