Bob Ortblad predicts the IBR will probably withhold its new estimate until the end of the Washington state legislative session
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) team has promised a new official estimate by the end of March. Thanks to economist Joe Cortright’s public disclosure request, it is no secret that the IBR has been hiding an estimate of about $13.6 billion, twice the 2023 estimate. The IBR will probably withhold its new estimate until the end of the Washington state legislative session.
With only $5.5 billion, the IBR plans to start construction without full funding and call it a “construction sequencing and funding strategy.” The IBR has defined over two dozen construction packages that require 70 years of construction if done sequentially. The IBR must present a new schedule with its updated estimate. Will construction take 25 to 50 years?
“And by getting started, that’s the way to help manage the costs.” — WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith
“Start digging a hole and make it so big, there’s no alternative to coming up with the money to fill it in…” — Former Mayor of San Francisco Willie Brown
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Seattle
Also read:
- Drivers may experience traffic delays and closures during summer road preservation work in Clark County
Multiple preservation methods including slurry seal, chip seal and hot mix asphalt will impact county roadways. - Vancouver Fire Department responds to emergency aircraft landing on SR-14
A Cessna aircraft made an emergency landing on State Route 14 near milepost 2 after experiencing mechanical issues. - Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement published for Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
Federal agencies published the final environmental impact statement for the Interstate Bridge replacement project. - Speed cameras designed to bring added safety to work zones
WSP issued 65,000 infractions in first year, with 59,000 being penalty-free first offenses as program expands statewide. - Marie Gluesenkamp Perez seeks federal assistance in combating sea lion predation of salmon & steelhead fishing stock
Congresswoman pushes for expanded lethal removal authority as sea lions devour Columbia River fish stocks.
wpDiscuz
