David McCurry shows imagery of Bridge of the Gods to the commission on March 18. Laser scans and imagery from a drone was used to build a three-dimensional model.
Flora Martin Gibson photoCASCADE LOCKS — Commissioners awarded all applications included in their second round of review for the Port of Cascade Locks’ new grant fund at their March 18 meeting.
Cascade Locks Fire and EMS asked for $17,425.99 to buy a second command vehicle and repurpose their existing rig as a trail response unit for difficult terrain.
Landmass Wines got $10,000 to enhance its indoor and outdoor spaces with a patio, tables and chairs for visitors.
Northwest Trail Alliance got $38,365 to build an EasyClimb Skills Area adjacent to the EasyClimb bike trail “to address the lack of a dedicated bike park in Cascade Locks, providing space for riders of all ages.”
Finally, Kaile’a Coffee Co LLC asked for $50,000 to turn a Cascade Locks building into their permanent home, with full kitchen and dining options and two food truck hookups.
With previous awards to Leaven from Heaven and Bike the Gorge, all but a little over $9,000 of the $141,000 grant fund is committed.
School losses
The single public commenter asked the commission to support Cascade Locks Elementary School, which could be facing the loss of several full-time employees — enough to force blended classes — due to federal cuts.
Commissioner Albert Nance noted “last time” blended classes were used, “there was a lot of behavioral problems,” and discrepancy in test scores between Cascade Locks and other schools.
The commission agreed to reach out and determine how they could support the school.
In other news
The seismic and retrofitting study of Bridge of the Gods is on schedule, with just $198,589 spent so far, David McCurry of Parsons Transportation Group reported. Some pieces were delayed while engineers put monitoring gauges on the bridge to check its “health.”
From a drone’s laser scans and imagery, engineers made a detailed three-dimensional model of the bridge, which helps offset the loss of the bridge’s original construction plans — which are still missing. McCurry did obtain a Corps of Engineers report on how the bridge was raised in 1936, but the story it tells does not quite match what the drones are showing, he said.
A toll waiver for Cowlitz Indian Tribe was approved unanimously by commissioners.
Commission also approved ratification of $281,066.26 in bills and $32,628.72 in payroll.
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