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Hermiston officials to take wish list to D.C.This story was published Thu, Feb 18, 1999 By the Herald Oregon bureau HERMISTON - The city's mayor, city manager, four council members and a Umatilla County commissioner are traveling to Washington, D.C., in March to meet with key congressional leaders to seek federal money to build a bridge over the Umatilla River. The proposed bridge, connecting Interstate 82 and Highway 395 via Punkin Center Road, is on the agenda of topics during the Hermiston delegation's weeklong trip to the nation's capital. Hermiston officials also intend to pursue impact aid to help cope with the strain on streets, schools and other social services because of construction of the weapons incinerator at the Umatilla Chemical Depot eight miles west of Hermiston. Hermiston officials also hope to have time to discuss concerns about breaching the four lower Snake River dams and lowering the John Day reservoir on the Columbia River and restoring Amtrak's Pioneer passenger rail service to Eastern Oregon. Hermiston Mayor Frank Harkenrider, City Manager Ed Brookshier and council members Jackie Myers, Rod Hardin, Chris Finley and Dean Anderson leave March 4. Commissioner Dennis Doherty, who represents the county's west end, is traveling with the delegation. In addition to meeting with key senators, Hermiston officials are attending the National League of Cities Conference. During the conference, city leaders plan to discuss issues regarding utility deregulation, public safety in large and small cities and restructuring of city and state revenue systems. The cost for the trip comes out of the city's budget and should run about $11,000, including meals. | |
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