Today the full U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved legislation expressing concern with the CRC’s proposed height, and directing the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that the CRC does not block river commerce. In its proposed fiscal year 2014 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill, the Appropriations Committee included report language submitted by Jaime Herrera Beutler that cites the “significant obstruction” the CRC poses to Columbia River navigation. In addition to directing the Coast Guard to protect the region’s economic interests, the bill outlines the severe impact the CRC’s current bridge height would have on area employers – including the livelihoods of local men and women. Members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the bill unanimously. Click here and scroll to page 68 to see the language regarding the CRC.

Vancouver City Council unanimously approved the formation of a Local Improvement District (LID) to fund approved safety improvements at four railroad crossings and establish a quiet zone in East Vancouver. Championed by citizens, the LID allows 467 property owners who will directly benefit from the quiet zone to pay for the necessary safety enhancements at the crossings of Southeast 139th, 144th, 147th and 164th avenues. Property owners will be charged a LID assessment fee based on a three-tiered system developed from a sound study showing those areas that would benefit most from the silencing of train horns. A LID is a tool that allows property owners to fund a public improvement that benefits them all and share the cost. For further details, visit  www.cityofvancouver.us/trainhorns/east

Dr. Thomas Reis. Photo courtesy of Rebound.

Portland Trail Blazer Team Physician, Internal Medicine, Dr. Thomas Reis has been named the 2012-2013 National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA) Physician of the Year. The NBATA Physician of the Year award is an annual honor voted on by the members of the NBATA, designed to recognize a team physician for exceptional service and care for his/her respective team and visiting NBA teams, and also a commitment to service in the community and to NBATA charities.

Dr. Reis has been a member of the Trail Blazer’s medical staff since 1994 and treats illnesses and other non-orthopedic issues. He arranges physicals and lab work and is also the physician for many Blazers team employees.

Dr. Reis is board-certified in Internal Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and served as Governor of the WA Chapter of ACP (1994-1998). Dr. Reis is a graduate of Creighton Medical School. He completed his internship at the Nassau County Medical Center in East Meadow, NY and his residency at OHSU in Portland. Dr. Reis sees patients at the Rebound’s Rose Quarter office Portland. For more information about Rebound, visit www.reboundmd.com.

A Paddle for Life Dragon Boat Festival will take place this Sunday May, 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Vancouver Lake Park, 6801 N.W. Lower Lake Rd. There is no charge for spectators.

Paddle for Life Vancouver is raising money to create a Disabled Veterans Water Sports Program at Vancouver Lake. All of the profits from the event and 100% of the donations go directly to creating a free program that will get disabled vets out on the water in dragon boats, rowing boats and kayaks. The need for equipment is great. New docks and ramps are needed and adaptive equipment must be purchased so that veterans with any disability can participate.

Paddle for Life is a non-profit organization that helps raise money and awareness for community causes through the fast growing sport of dragon boating. The all-inclusive sport of dragon boating is great way for family, friends, and co-workers to experience a great sport while fundraising. Double Fifth Dragon Boating, Dragon Sports USA and Vancouver Lake Crew are also sponsoring the event. For more information, visit www.paddleforlife.org.