In a 5-1 vote, the Metro Council on Thursday affirmed that many of the concerns it has raised about the Columbia River Crossing project have been addressed and said that others will be worked out.
Councilor Kathryn Harrington expressed a common sentiment when she said many elements of the proposed 10-lane Interstate 5 bridge and light rail line over the Columbia River were not ideal, including its financing. But, she said, “We’ve taken steps to form a good solution.”
“No matter where you live in the state, this project supports jobs and getting goods to market,” Harrington said.
Council President Tom Hughes said he discussed the project extensively during the nine-month campaign that put him in office last year.
“The thing that gave them the least faith in government is that we have talked about it for so long,” Hughes said. “We need to move to the next phase.”
Proposed by the Oregon and Washington transportation departments, the $3.6 billion project would replace the Interstate Bridge, rebuild several highway interchanges, extend light rail into Vancouver and build a much better bicycle and pedestrian network. Though it is not a Metro project, the Metro Council and its Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation control federal transportation spending in the Portland area.
Comprised of elected officials from across the region, JPACT endorsed the project unanimously, with one abstention, earlier Thursday.
At issue for the council and JPACT this week was whether bridge planners have addressed 11 concerns they both listed in 2008, when they approved the project’s main elements. The 11 conditions include providing a fund for community enhancements to mitigate for pollution, designing a bridge worthy of the majestic river and prioritizing freight access in the corridor.
The council wants to ensure that all major transportation investments make the best use of our limited dollars, boost the region’s economic competitiveness and ensure the needs of low income communities are addressed.
Councilor Carl Hosticka was the lone no vote, saying he doubted the council would be able to convince bridge planners to address its remaining concerns. According to a Metro staff report, five of the council’s conditions have been resolved and six are “on track” but require action beyond the federal record of decision expected later this year.
The project’s $3.6 billion price tag seems unrealistic, he said.
“I’m not sanguine that the project will happen, even with the best intentions,” he said.
Councilor Rex Burkholder said the council had been involved in the decision-making on the project for years and that it would continue to be engaged on it.
Other councilors said they felt torn about the decision.
Councilor Barbara Roberts, former Oregon governor, said she has “never been enthusiastic” about the project but had faith that the project staff would respond to council concerns as planning continues. Councilor Shirley Craddick said if she “had her druthers” she would vote against it, but said she felt it would be wiser to vote yes and stay watchful that her concerns about design and air pollution are addressed.
Councilor Carlotta Collette was absent, attending a workshop on climate change in Washington D.C.
The vote came after about an hour of public comment from about 35 speakers, most speaking against the project.
Donna Murphy of the Hayden Island Livability Project, said construction staging planned to take place next to her neighborhood would adversely impact the elderly and low income residents. Several speakers said the project would increase pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. And many said they doubted whether the states would come up with their share of the money, expected to be $450 million from each.
“The legislature is not with you yet,” said Fred Nussbaum, urging the council to vote no.
Jonathan Schlueter, executive director of the Westside Economic Alliance, urged support of the project, saying many Washington County businesses would benefit from improved access to the Port of Portland.
Walter Valenta, a neighborhood activist and real estate investor who has followed the project for years, said he was disappointed by the bridge type that was recently selected. But he’s seen reason for optimism that a world class architect would be chosen soon to make the most of it.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done and we need this council,” Valenta said. “We need your help to be firm.”