Ley and Julie Meredith met on the Vancouver waterfront to review numerous pressing issues in Southwest Washington

Rep. John Ley met with the Department of Transportation Secretary, Julie Meredith, on Friday to discuss several transportation issues. Ley and Meredith met on the Vancouver waterfront to review numerous pressing issues in Southwest Washington. Ley, R-Vancouver, issued the following statement after the meeting.

“I want to thank DOT Secretary Julie Meredith for coming to Vancouver and discussing current transportation issues with me this morning. Regional DOT Administrator Carley Francis was also in attendance. We covered a wide range of topics from the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program to TriMet’s MAX light rail, including the agency’s attempt to overcharge the project by double or triple the cost for 19 unnecessary light rail vehicles.

“We also discussed the Camas Slough Bridge, where earlier this week the maximum speed was lowered to 40 mph because of significant potholes. We also covered the Washington State Ferry System and the ridiculous decision to pay three times the amount for hybrid electric ferries, instead of purchasing clean diesel ferries that could serve the people sooner.

“We also touched on the Regional Transportation Council’s (RTC) 2008 “Visioning Study.” It highlighted the need for two new bridges and transportation corridors over the Columbia River. I asked the Secretary to work with me to begin planning for those new bridges and corridors.

“Her biggest issues and concerns are regarding maintenance and preservation of our current bridges, highways, and transportation infrastructure. The DOT doesn’t have enough money allocated for long-overdue maintenance. I agree, but a bill I offered (HB 1869) last session would have freed up to $500 million by prohibiting Washington from paying for Portland’s TriMet light rail capital costs.

“I believe $1-$2 billion would pay for a reasonably priced bridge, that we could repurpose the current two structures, and give the DOT an additional $5 billion to use on maintenance and preservation.

“I also asked the secretary about compensation to consultants, which can triple the cost of services provided. She promised transparency and appropriate auditing of the IBR and all the projects her agency oversees.

“As a state lawmaker, I will continue working with every relevant agency and individual to find the best transportation solutions for Southwest Washington.”

Rep. Ley represents the 18th Legislative District.

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov