Susan —

Thank you for your kind remarks. In order to get something “common sense” moving forward, we need some different politicians elected. The political balance of power has those of us exposing the facts and pushing for something truly “affordable” that actually reduces traffic congestion, stuck in the minority.

The Hood River Bridge is $1.12 billion, and is at a wider location crossing the Columbia River. We should be discussing something that costs $1-$2 billion, and adds vehicle capacity.

Sadly, the liberal politicians won’t discuss these options, at least at the moment.

Perhaps the coming REJECTION of the Oregon transportation taxes will trigger a seismic shift on the Oregon side. We know people here in SW Washington do NOT want LIGHT RAIL and they do not want TOLLS.

A truly affordable bridge is possible, without both. The East County Bridge proposal just over a decade ago, shows how it could be done. https://eastcountybridge.com/proposal/

And the same goes for Rep. John Ley who is perhaps the single most knowledgeable person there is when it comes to the IBR and the related madness.

But nothing is happening !!!!

When will all of us “little people” in SW Washington see some action taken to put a stop to the current IBR? Who is taking steps to demand a revision of plans so that there is increased capacity and decreased travel times on a seismically-safe bridge, at an affordable cost? Or better, yet, pursue a tunnel? Or maybe pursue a 3rd bridge before destroying a perfectly good existing bridge?

I am sooooo tired of all the complaining, of all the facts being presented, of all the less-expensive alternatives being proposed – and all presented by very knowledgeable people – but with nothing happening.

I want to see some action! Today or next week or next month… not in 2-3 years!