Since the Sentinel reported in October of last year, Hayden Island residents have been battling with CRC stakeholders over the massive project that could bring up to 21 lanes of concrete to the island and sink its major east/west roads up to a dozen feet underground.  Residents have fought to keep the island's livability on the radar as the CRC plans continue to waffle. 

Today, HiNoon activist and political candidate Ed Garren reports that the Oregon Department of Transportation has delayed adoption of a planned freeway interchanges until August. See below:

FROM EMAIL FROM ED GARREN

Thanks to the combined efforts of a lot of dedicated people, the Oregon Department of Transportation has decided to delay the adoption of a design for the Hayden Island I-5 interchange (for the new Columbia River Crossings Project) until August. This will give us more time to work on solutions for the interchange that will better serve the stakeholders on Hayden Island.

As the first person who started out three + years ago, challenging the CRC to recognize the special needs of Hayden Island, and as a Co-Chair of the Hayden Island Plan, I am very proud of the residents of our island who have come together to assure that our livability issues are not ignored.

I want to personally acknowledge and thank, Pam Ferguson, Erick Reddekopp, Tom Dana, Victor Veits, Roger Staver, Peg Johnson, the other Co-Chair on the Hayden Island Plan Brad Howton, Jonathan Ostar, Alycia Edgeworth Kennedy, Donna & Patrick Murphy, Herman & Carroll Kachold, Linda Caso, and others who have contributed to the Hayden Island Livability Project for their dedication and hard work.

I also want to thank Jeri Williams who taught me much of what I know about Environmental Justice, and inspired me to remain a persistent advocate for the EJ issues on Hayden Island.

Regards, Edward "Ed" Garren
Co-Chair of the Hayden Island Plan Steering Committee
board member, Hayden Island Manufactured Homeowners Association