This recently came across the transom from Multnomah County:

Multnomah County is seeking volunteers to serve on a Community Task Force to provide important input during planning for the Sellwood Bridge Project. The 80-year-old bridge has serious structural and design problems that require a long-term solution. The purpose of the project, which begins this spring, is to identify the alternative that best meets the needs of bridge users, neighbors and the general community. Options to be studied include replacement and rehabilitation of the bridge.

After hearing presentations from the engineering consultant, the Community Task Force will develop criteria and evaluate and rank the alternatives.

In recruiting the task force, the county is seeking representatives of key interest groups, such as neighbors, businesses, commuters, freight haulers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The ideal task force volunteer is someone who is:

•Interested in the Sellwood Bridge Project
•Able to attend evening meetings approximately once a month for two years, starting in spring 2006
•A representative of the concerns of an organization or interest group
•Experienced with volunteer committees

No professional design experience is required.

Individuals interested in serving are asked to complete an application form and return it to Multnomah County by April 17. Call 503-988-6804 to request a copy of the form.