Three Columbia Gorge-area projects are going to be receiving funding through the Fiscal Year 2024 minibus funding package signed by President Biden.  Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden say the appropriations are in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bill.  $4 million will go towards a new Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge to help cover early-phase costs of the project, including right-of-way acquisition and mitigation for impacts to tribal fishing access during construction.  Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation will receive $3 million to help develop 75 units of housing and services to veterans, families, and households experiencing severe and persistent mental health challenges, to be developed on Chenowith Loop in The Dalles.  And the Oregon Department of Transportation is receiving $850,000 to help fund the Perham Creek to Mitchell Creek segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and create a full 7.5-mile continuous Historic Columbia Highway State Trail allowing pedestrians and cyclists to travel between Wyeth Trailhead and a reconstructed Mitchell Point Tunnel.