Tom Warne Report, 7 December 2012
Oregon’s governor is strongly pushing the state legislature to make funding the bridge on I-5 crossing the Columbia River a first priority, telling a gathering of business leaders this week that he wants the state to approve $450 million in bonds when they begin their session next month. Democratic Governor John Kitzhaber has the support of state officials and members of Congress from Oregon and Washington that say the new span between Portland and Vancouver is key to maintaining a strong infrastructure in the northwestern part of the U.S.
The existing structures are often congested and Columbia River Crossing supporters say their replacement is long past due. Construction costs are expected to top $3.5 billion. “After a decade of planning, after a year of legislative review, it’s time to get this project off the ground,” Gov. Kitzhaber said. Washington lawmakers are expected to look at a bridge funding package in their next session. Tolls, gas taxes and vehicle registration fee hikes are all anticipated to be part of the state’s portion of the bridge funding.