This week, Clark County Today invites you to weigh in on a crucial question affecting taxpayers in Washington. TriMet has proposed that Washington taxpayers fund 45% of the operating and maintenance costs for light rail—a plan that would total approximately $7 million annually.
The C-TRAN Board is currently reviewing the proposal, which could involve a sales tax increase in Clark County to cover these expenses. The potential impact of this decision has sparked significant discussion, and we want to hear from you!
Our poll question asks:
More info:
Light rail cost and tax increase revelations cause significant concerns for C-TRAN Board
C-TRAN Board raises concerns over TriMet’s demand for Washington taxpayers to cover $7 million in annual light rail costs for the IBR program.
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Also read:
- Board authorizes C-TRAN to sign off on Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s SEIS
The C-TRAN Board approved the Final SEIS for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, with Camas and Washougal opposing the vote over light rail cost concerns. - C-TRAN ridership grows for fourth consecutive year
C-TRAN ridership topped 5 million trips in 2025, marking the fourth straight year of growth. - Opinion: ‘If they want light rail, they should be the ones who pay for it’
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance argues that supporters of light rail tied to the I-5 Bridge replacement should bear the local cost of operating and maintaining the system through a narrowly drawn sub-district. - Opinion: IBR falsely blaming inflation
Joe Cortright argues that inflation explains only a small portion of the IBR project’s cost increases and that rising consultant and staff expenses are the primary drivers. - Letter: The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s $141 million bribe can be better spent on sandwich steel-concrete tubes
Bob Ortblad argues that an immersed tunnel using sandwich steel-concrete tubes would be a more cost-effective alternative to the current Interstate Bridge Replacement Program design.
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