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:
- Letter: John Braun for Congress – Navy captain, business leader, and state senator
Despite worsening congestion, hurting freight, and raising tolls, Perez supports the IBR bridge plan. John Braun looks for affordable, sensible modifications. - Trail and access closures begin soon at Lacamas Regional Park for bridge replacement project
Trail closures at Lacamas Regional Park run August through November during a bridge replacement project in the northeast corner. - Letter: Local politicians have ignored repeated votes against light rail and a county resolution opposing light rail
Clark County voters rejected light rail in 2012 and again passed a 68% advisory vote against it in 2013 — but the fight continues. - Opinion: C-TRAN outpaces TriMet – Strong finances and growing ridership, but a cautionary note on costs and efficiency
C-TRAN’s farebox recovery has dropped from 17% in 2017 to just 4.2% in 2025, even as reserves top $201 million. - Southbound I-5 to I-205 connection closes for paving work in Vancouver July 10-11
The ramp from southbound I-5 to southbound I-205 at Exit 7 closes Friday night for pavement repairs and striping work.
