Mission Statement

MISSION

The Columbia River Gorge Commission's mission is to establish, implement and enforce policies and programs that protect and enhance the scenic, natural, recreational and cultural resources of the Columbia River Gorge, and to support the economy of the area by encouraging growth to occur in existing urban areas and allowing economic development consistent with resource protection.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The Columbia River Gorge Commission was authorized by Congress in the 1986 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act (P.L. 99-663). The Act provided advance consent for an interstate compact between Washington and Oregon to create the bi-state Columbia River Gorge Commission. The Columbia River Gorge Compact (ORS 196.150 et seq., RCW 43.97.015 et seq.) enacted in 1987, created the Commission and directed it: “to perform all functions and responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of this compact and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act...[Compact Article 1(a)].”