When the short Oregon Legislative session gets underway next week, the Port of Cascade Locks will be seeking funding for upgrades to the 98-year-old Bridge of the Gods.  It was built before modern seismic standards, the bridge is vulnerable to a large earthquake event and in need of a number of preservation upgrades.  The Port of Cascade Locks has owned and operated the toll bridge since 1961 and is updating its 15-year maintenance plan.  The Port has made a $6 million request to the Oregon Legislature to fund a set of seismic and preservation studies that will identify key upgrades and provide a roadmap for future improvements, including safer passage for bikes, pedestrians and horses. This funding will be considered by the Oregon Legislature next month when its short legislative session convenes on February 5. The request is in a standalone bill within the Joint Transportation Committee, called House Bill 4110.  The port says it has also worked closely with Washington Representative Kevin Waters of Skamania County to explore funding opportunities from across the river, but due to cost overruns on large transportation projects around Washington, they don’t expect an opening for funding this year.