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:
- Opinion: An important reason to keep the I-5 freeway system toll-free
Sharon Nasset argues fuel tax sends 100% to transportation, while tolling sends only 60% of net funds. - Letter: Present bridge plan has been in the expensive and unworkable planning stage far too long with no real end in sight
Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila argues the I-5 Bridge plan doubles costs by including light rail on the span. - POLL: Should C-TRAN taxpayers be protected from paying additional costs tied to extending light rail to Library Square?
C-TRAN’s board asked IBR to extend light rail to Library Square but voted down taxpayer cost protections. - Weekday, weeknight, and weekend lane closures continue on southbound I-5 in Vancouver May 14–18
Kerr Contractors Oregon LLC will close up to three southbound I-5 lanes between NE 179th St and the I-5/I-205 split through May 18. - Plan ahead for Memorial Day travel: Expect delays on Washington’s busiest routes
WSDOT’s holiday travel charts map peak congestion windows on I-5, I-90, US 2, and the Canada border crossing.
