a $3.4 billion project that would replace two bridges with a new span and light rail into downtown Vancouver. But in order to move forward
SALEM -- The Oregon Senate narrowly approved a bill authorizing the state to sell up to $450 million in bonds as part of a project to replace the Interstate 5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver.The 18-11 vote passing is a key milestone in the Columbia River Crossing, a $3.4 billion project that would replace two bridges with a new span and light rail into downtown Vancouver. But in order to move forward, the project must obtain funding and approval from the federal government., with 15 Republicans joining 30 Democrats. The margin was smaller in the Senate with the bill passing with just two votes more than a majority.Opponents charge the project is too costly or poorly designed. Many neighborhood activists worry that the large construction project will further impact air quality in North and Northeast Portland and opponents in Vancouver want to remove light rail from the bridge plan,hogan.Sen. Jackie Dingfelder, D-Portland,Beats by dre, echoed some of those concerns, saying her district would be impacted by increased traffic on Interstate 84 and Interstate 205."I am concerned about the impact of diverted traffic from I-5 on my neighborhoods," said Dingfelder, who voted no.But so far that opposition has done little to stop the project's political momentum in Oregon.Sen. Lee Beyer, D-Springfield, said since the CRC began in the mid 1990s,Gucci Outlet, it has had several legislative hearings including a joint oversight task force."I would suggest this is probably the most studied project in Oregon's history," said Beyer, who carried the bill with Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Hillsboro,Gucci shoes."Congestion is a tax. If we do nothing there will be a congestion tax," Starr said. "There's a cost to doing nothing."Gov. John Kitzhaber said he will sign the bill when it reaches his desk. Now all eyes are on the Washington Legislature, which is still considering how it will approve that state's $450 million share of the local funding for the project,hogan.Once both states signal their willingness to fund $900 million of the project with bonds, planners hope to secure $850 million in federal transportation funding for the light rail aspect of the project. , although critics doubt that estimate. And planners hope to obtain another $400 million in federal highway funds.Sen. Betsy Close, R-Albany, said she voted against the project because she suspected it would lead to a tax increase.Before the start of the session,Gucci handbags, legislative leaders suggested they would earmark an increase in the state gas tax or an increase in vehicle fees to pay for the annual $27 million bill that would come from selling $450 million in bonds.But leaders pivoted in February, instead proposing to cover the cost of the bonds with existing federal transportation funds. Those will run out in three years. House Speaker Tina Kotek,guccioutlet-brands.com, D-Portland, said she hopes the legislature will find a way to fund the debt by then.Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said he opposes tax increases and fees, but he suggested Democrats will bring tax and fee increases forward with or without the CRC."A gas tax or fee increase bill will come before the legislature whether the CRC passes or not," said Knopp, who voted for the bill.Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, D-Portland, said she worried that instability in Washington's political process could threaten the project.Washington Legislative leaders hope to fund the CRC as part of a broader transportation package. If they do, citizens can refer the decision to voters. Voters in Clark County have shut down light rail funding before. Steiner Hayward, who supported the bill with reservations, said that could put Washington's funding package in peril after the bill's September funding deadline."What would happen if that were to occur after Sept. 30?" Steiner Hayward asked her colleagues.
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