FHC Activities and Accomplishments

Oregon Bridges Project Saves Money, Time, and Fish and Wildlife The 10-year, $1.3 billion Oregon Transportation Investment Act State Bridge Delivery Program will repair or replace several hundred bridges throughout Oregon that are nearing the end of their design life. This effort is anticipated to save taxpayers 15 percent of the initial design costs and shave a year or two off the program schedule. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Oregon State Office and other stakeholders, the Oregon Department of Transportation developed an important approach to repairing or replacing bridges which stresses environmental stewardship, active stakeholder involvement, and the participation of local communities in the planning, design, and construction of bridges. A single set of performance standards for the entire state's bridge program is the first statewide streamlined permitting effort of its kind in the nation. Site-specific environmental data and performance standards are provided to bridge designers before they begin designing. By designing the bridge into the ecological context of the planning area, environmental impacts will not only be avoided or minimized, but hydrologic function and other ecological processes are expected to be restored. This batched programmatic effort provides the framework for addressing all future bridge projects in Oregon.   Contact(s): David Leal 503.231.6179 David_Leal@fws.gov   Links: Oregon State Office http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/index.asp Top of Page