The Port of Hood River Commission approved a $285,200 dollar contract with a New Jersey company to create a support system for the existing software in use for tolling on the Interstate Bridge, and put in place a new package in use at other toll facilities to streamline the operation.  Port Executive Director Michael McElwee says the original designers of the current automated tolling system have retired, so they need the support system for its maintenance while a new streamlined operation is installed.  McElwee says the new package will be more reliable than what they currently have, with a less expensive transponder and allow customers to have the ability to manage their own account.  McElwee expects it will take over a year to get the new system ready…and the Port plans to run both systems during a transition period.