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 (Winter 2006)
Identify the range of alternatives to be considered (Summer 2006)
Identify alternatives to be considered in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Release Draft EIS and identify the preferred alternative (Spring 2008)
Secure federal approval for the preferred alternative (expected 2011)

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

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

Steps in the Process

Public involvement efforts are 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 has and will continue to 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 preferred alternative. A report on the analysis of environmental and community effects of the preferred alternative will be published in the Final EIS, expected in 2011. A Final EIS is necessary to secure federal approval for the project; however, it does not guarantee funding.