The Washington Legislature passed a bill to allow for establishment of a bi-state commission to govern a new Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge, following passage of a similar bill in Oregon earlier in the week. Each bill awaits gubernatorial signatures. The bills allow for a legal local government to be created over state lines, and for separate state funding to be received by the new entity as well as federal funding. They enable the new entity to issue toll bonds but does not grant any property tax authority, and identifies the new entity as responsible for development, finance, construction, and operation of the new bridge. They also establish equal representation for citizens from Hood River and Klickitat Counties on the governing body.