Klickitat and Hood River counties have appointed the first board commissioners for the new Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority, which takes over oversight of the bridge replacement project from the Port of Hood River.  Port of Hood River Commissioner Mike Fox, Hood River County Commissioner Arthur Babitz, and Hood River City Council member Grant Polson will represent the Oregon side of the Columbia River, while Klickitat County Commissioner Jacob Anderson, White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler, and Klickitat County resident Doug Gibson will represent the Washington side.  Six alternates were also selected.  The authority’s role includes overseeing design and construction of the new bridge and managing operations, maintenance and toll-setting once the new bridge is open. It will have sole access to new toll revenue, as well as decision-making authority over those funds.  The authority will also own the new bridge. The existing bridge will remain under the ownership of the Port of Hood River until the new bridge is complete, at which point the old bridge will be demolished.  The commissioners will initially serve one-year terms. During this time, the new authority will establish governing processes, including future terms.  The bridge authority’s first board meeting will take place on July 10.