Area resident Bob Zak weighs in on recent news about the I-5 Bridge replacement project
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Reading Representative John Ley’s report on the IBR and the Battle Ground Town Hall meeting, I agree with his conclusions about cost, reasonableness, and our needs. With all this political maneuvering by people like Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and her fellow Democrats to get their “light rail” into the package is concerning to say the least.
The comment from the US Coast Guard that this is a “bridge too low” seems to be taken NOT seriously. That should be a key in planning. I would trust that the Trump administration would look at this project very critically.
Our vote over the past years saying the toll/light rail thing is a “no go” would mean something. Something is wrong when our vote means nothing. Within this planning cycle that Rep. Ley mentions, there is time to bring change by voting in people that will listen.
Bob Zak
Vancouver, Hazel Dell, Lakshore
Also read:
- Opinion: Portland’s War on Cars Part 4 – A smarter automobile strategy to end gridlock
O’Toole argues fuel wasted in Portland-area congestion has sextupled since 1982, generating 250,000 tons of extra greenhouse gases annually. - Opinion: Transit ridership trends are dismal but regional plans are oblivious
Puget Sound transit passenger-miles fell 31% from 2015 to 2024 despite a half-million-resident population increase. - Interstate Bridge Replacement Program seeks qualified firms for bridge replacement contract
The CRBR project is backed by $5.7 billion from state funds, federal grants, and future tolling. - Opinion: Bankrupt – A $3.5 billion Rose Quarter Freeway widening project
Joe Cortright argues ODOT’s Rose Quarter project has grown from a $450M approval to a $3.5B estimate, with a $2B funding gap. - Opinion: Portland’s War on Cars 3 – Ending the war on automobiles
O’Toole argues Portland should add toll lanes, fix safety hazards, and redesign TriMet routes to end its anti-auto policies.
wpDiscuz
