Press Release: Saltzman supports move of Sauvie Island Bridge

Below is the full text of the press release from Commissioner Dan Saltzman’s office regarding his support of moving the Sauvie Island Bridge span and re-using it as a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over I-405 in Northwest Portland. Full story here.

April 18, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brendan Finn 503-823-3110 or 503-313-0246

Commissioner Saltzman supports move of Sauvie Island Bridge

Commissioner Saltzman announced today his support to move the old Sauvie Island Bridge to NW Flanders as a bicycle and pedestrian overpass of Interstate 405.

On April 2nd Portland City Council considered a proposal to reuse the old Sauvie Island Bridge as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The proposal failed to gain the votes on the council to gain approval. Commissioner Dan Saltzman, a supporter of the concept of re-using the bridge was concerned about the proposed contract.

“This project is a great reuse of a historic bridge that will provide enhanced safety for bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Commissioner Saltzman, “but I was not comfortable with approving the largest no-bid contract in the City’s history without examining the options to lower the price through a competitive bidding process”

During the intervening weeks, Commissioners Saltzman and Adams worked to create a proposal that moves the project forward that ensures price stability and includes a competitive bid component by:

· Requiring all funding to be in place before executing contracts associated with the project;
· Requiring formal bids for all construction related to the project; and
· Having a guaranteed maximum price for all services related to the relocation of the bridge.

“We are a city of bridges and this proposal is consistent with that heritage, I look forward to seeing this bridge become Portland’s next landmark” Commissioner Saltzman commented.

#############