Western Federal Lands Highway Division, a part of the U.S. Transportation Department, informed Clark County and city of Ridgefield this month that up to $3 million in funding has been approved to improve pedestrian and cyclist access to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
The funds will be put towards a $3.7 million project that will:
- Build a 2,200-foot long paved path along or near Main Avenue
- Remove an undersized culvert for Gee Creek under Main Avenue and replace it with a 100-foot long bridge
- Reconstruct the existing roadway near the new bridge According to the county, the project will improve access to the refuge’s 710-acre Carty Unit, which includes the Cathlapotle Plankhouse and Oaks to Wetland Trail.
Clark County and the city will share costs not covered by the federal award.
Construction is expected in 2017 and 2018.
