The price tag for a new Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge has gone up substantially, leading Bridge Authority commissioners to authorize increase its request for funding from the federal Bridge Investment Program.  The latest cost estimate for a new bridge is $1.12 billion, well up from the $520 million estimate generated in October 2021.  Bridge Authority board and Port of Hood River Commissioner Mike Fox told Port Commissioners at their most recent meeting that one big reason for the increase is sharp inflation in the heavy highway construction sector, about 51 percent over the last three years.  Additionally, geotechnical site evaluations conducted earlier this year in the Columbia River revealed deeper-than-expected bedrock, which will require foundations on the new bridge to be around 90 feet deeper than originally planned.  The Bridge Authority authorized a $532 million request to the federal Bridge Investment Program.  A successful grant, in addition to funds already raised and outstanding targeted commitments, would secure a total of $1.12 billion in project funding.