Friday, November 11, 1928: On Saturday the three secretaries to whom was delegated by act of congress the authority to grant a permit to build a bridge across the Columbia river between Rainier and Longview, rendered a final decision and granted the permit.
The event closed a contest running over a period of nearly four years, during which time the promoters, Wesley Vandercook of Longview and W. D. Comer of Tacoma, have met with persistent and strenuous opposition from Portland interests which have sought to hinder and block the project at every turn.
December 28, 1928: Plans for the Longview-Rainier bridge, submitted by W. D. Comer of Seattle and Wesley Vandercook of Longview, the promoters, in accordance with the specifications laid down by a special commission of three cabinet officers, have been approved by Secretary of War, Davis.
The approval of the war secretary indicate that the plans fulfill all requirements as to height, clearance, distance between spans and other essentials determined a year ago by the secretaries of war, commerce and agriculture, acting jointly. Construction of the bridge can be begun now at any time, according to federal law.
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