Lewallen’s visit comes as the IBR team continues to advance plans that include light rail despite widespread pushback from citizens and leaders in Clark County
Washington, D.C. – On Friday (June 13), Camas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen traveled to the U.S. Department of Transportation to speak directly with federal officials regarding the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project and the growing opposition in Southwest Washington to the proposed light rail extension.
Lewallen met with key members of Secretary Shawn Duffy’s leadership team, including the secretary’s chief of staff, chief counsel, and three senior federal transit attorneys. During the meeting, she expressed serious concerns about the inclusion of light rail in the project—an element that has been widely opposed by residents, elected officials, and local municipalities such as Camas and Battle Ground.
“This project has the potential to be a generational opportunity to improve infrastructure between Washington and Oregon,” said Councilor Lewallen. “But tying it to a multi-billion-dollar light rail extension that our community does not want and cannot afford is the wrong approach. Southwest Washington needs real solutions, not political pet projects that burden taxpayers and bring in problems from across the river.”
Lewallen authored the resolution unanimously passed by the Camas City Council opposing light rail in the IBR project. Shortly after, the city of Battle Ground passed a similar resolution.
Her visit comes as the IBR team continues to advance plans that include light rail despite widespread pushback from citizens and leaders in Clark County. Lewallen emphasized the need for practical alternatives that address real transportation needs — such as traffic congestion, emergency access, and freight mobility — without importing Portland’s troubled transit issues.
“I’m committed to ensuring the voices of Camas and my neighbors in Southwest Washington are heard in Washington, D.C.,” Lewallen added. “We deserve infrastructure that serves our families and businesses, not out-of-touch mandates driven by political agendas.”
For more information about Councilor Leslie Lewallen and her ongoing advocacy for Camas and Southwest Washington, visit www.LeslieForCamas.com.
Also read:
- Rep. David Stuebe sponsors bill to strengthen enforcement of auto insurance laws and protect Washington drivers
Rep. David Stuebe has introduced HB 2308, a bill aimed at strengthening enforcement of Washington’s auto insurance laws and increasing accountability for repeat uninsured drivers. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement’s Park & Ride insanity
Bob Ortblad criticizes the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s proposed Park & Ride garages, arguing the costs are excessive and unlikely to receive federal funding. - Letter: Interstate Bridge Replacement $13.6 billion estimate is too low!
Bob Ortblad argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $13.6 billion cost estimate understates the true expense, citing comparable projects, construction challenges, and engineering assumptions. - Opinion: ‘The drama and the waste of taxpayer money continues’
Rep. John Ley outlines his objections to the approved fixed-span I-5 Bridge design, citing cost concerns, engineering standards, funding uncertainty, and opposition to light rail and tolls. - Coast Guard approves fixed-span design for new Interstate Bridge
The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed-span design for the new Interstate Bridge, clearing a major hurdle for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project.
wpDiscuz
