by Jeanette Kloos

On July 20 I was privileged to participate in a tour of the Historic Columbia River Highway sponsored by the mayors of Troutdale, Cascade Locks, Hood River and Mosier.  The mayors invited Congressional staffers and we were joined by Ree Armitage from Congressman Blumenauer's Office, David Blair from Senator Wyden's Office and Susanna Julber from Senator Merkley's Office.  Mayor Andrea Rogers welcomed us to Mosier and Ben Zimmerman provided a space to meet, coffee and fresh scones from 10 Speed Coffee.  Hood River Mayor Arthur Babitz led introductions and enthusiastic endorsements of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail - both positive economic impact of the existing sections and support for future projects.  We walked into the Mosier Twin Tunnels, seeing the variety of users of the trail.  Discussion at lunch was facilitated by Scott West, Travel Oregon.  Cascade Locks Mayor Brad Lorang commented that bicyclists and walkers travel slower through the city and spend more time exploring the businesses there.  All of the mayors pledged to work together to seek future funding for the trail reconnection projects.  After lunch we visited Ruthton Point and Mitchell Point and discussed the opportunities that will come with a completed trail.