“Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time admirer, the views of Multnomah Falls and the Columbia Gorge from this landmark byway are unmatched,” Wyden said in a press release issued by Sen. Merkley’s office. “Congress must work to preserve and restore this highway both to protect that experience for future generations and to continue creating jobs that build on Oregon’s growing outdoor recreation and tourism economy.”
Merkley added: “The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking landscapes in our country. The restoration of the Historic Columbia River Highway is a testament to the vision and determination of many Oregonians, and I’ve been proud to partner with the local community and Senator Wyden to help bring federal support to this deserving project.”
A popular tourist destination, the 75-mile long scenic highway is the first scenic highway in the United States and the first modern highway in the Pacific Northwest. It is also a popular tourist and recreation destination in the Columbia River Gorge. The Oregon Department of Transportation is working to connect existing highway segments with recreation trails to establish a continuous historic route through the Columbia River Gorge. Ten miles await reconnection to the main trail, which will open access to the Gorge for hikers and bikers.
Friends of the Columbia Gorge Executive Director Kevin Gorman lauded the senators’ resolution as a “clarion call” to complete the highway’s reconnection.
“Ten miles remain to restore the glory of yesteryear,” Gorman said. “The Historic Columbia River Highway is worthy of national recognition and the Senate continues to demonstrate its support of the Columbia Gorge with this amazing resolution. It was the U.S. Senate 30 years ago that led efforts to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and with this resolution the Senate again steps up to support a national treasure."
The bill was officially submitted on March 3 and will be considered by the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee.
Also Read:
Historic Columbia River Highway page, Oregon Department of Transportation website
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail page, Oregon State Parks website
Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway website