Bob Ortblad says it is doubtful the Federal Transit Administration will fund IBR’s $1 billion grant application for this insanity
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
Economist Joe Cartwright and Willamette Week have exposed the $13.6 billion costs that the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBR) has been hiding. One of the most insane costs is $177 million for a Waterfront Park & Ride Station. Consultants plan to cut a fat hog, with design and project management estimated at 44% of $177 million, $78 million.
In 2024 Gramor Development opened an 829-space garage on Vancouver’s waterfront. The 2026 assessed valuation of this garage (less retail space) is $27 million, about $33,000 per parking space. The IBR is planning a 570-space Waterfront Park & Ride Stations at an estimated cost of $177 million, about $310,000 per parking space. This is over nine times the cost of Gramor Development spaces.
A private company like Gramor Development would never make this investment; a daily parking rate of $250 would be needed to cover capital and operating costs. However, the IBR wants a Waterfront Park & Ride to be free or cost much less than the market rate of $25/day, only a block away.
The IBR is also planning a $150 million, 770-space Evergreen Station. The IBR is planning these Park & Ride garages in a desperate effort to create ridership to justify $2 billion for light rail at Waterfront and Evergreen stations. It is doubtful the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will fund IBR’s $1 billion grant application for this insanity.
Park & Ride garages would also be a visual blight on downtown Vancouver, increase I-5 traffic, downtown congestion, urban sprawl, and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).
Bob Ortblad MSCE, MBA
Seattle
Also read:
- VIDEO: WA diesel hits record $6.53, crushing truckers and school budgets
With diesel nearing $6.53 per gallon in Washington, trucking businesses and school districts now confront sharply higher fuel expenses affecting budgets and workers. - Opinion: In plain sight – yielding to pedestrians
Drivers often fail to see pedestrians due to inattentional blindness, which highlights the need for more focused awareness at intersections and stronger safety practices. - Expect delays on SR 14 in Vancouver for guardrail repairs Wednesday
State Route 14 travelers in Vancouver should plan for morning delays as WSDOT will close two eastbound lanes for guardrail repairs, affecting mileposts 6.0 to 7.0. - Overnight closure planned on westbound SR 14 Camas Slough Bridge Tuesday
WSDOT crews will close westbound SR 14 at Exit 14 in Camas to collect bridge deck samples and plan future repairs; detours will be in effect. - Opinion: Stay in your lane – seriously, it’s the law
Drivers must choose the nearest lane when turning in Washington, and left turns bring added risk. Even with signals, every driver must help prevent crashes by following law.
