In the ongoing bi-state opposition to the CRC/light rail extension from Portland, Oregon into Washington, voices are being raised to counter efforts by advocates to appropriate funding for the project that voters have not yet been allowed to vote on, potentially violating Washington State’s High Capacity Transportation Act. While advocates continue to demand the project receive funding, neither state has yet shown the ability to budget the needed funds and both currently run deep budget deficits.
We have more pressing issues that need our dwindling tax dollars and this project needs stopped. At least until our economy improves, a workable design can be drawn that does not hamper river traffic and threaten hundreds of good paying jobs upriver from the I-5 bridge and most importantly, voters and taxpayers voices listened to since we are going to have to pay for it.
This is not a one state project and reaches across the state line of both of our states. Several times now opponents from Oregon have joined forces with Washington State taxpayers speaking out, attending rallies and holding press conferences. They come to our City Council Meeting and County Commissioner Meetings to lend their voices to ours.
They now ask for our help to speak out to Oregon Legislators.
Sharon Nasset of Third Bridge Now has sent out the follow call for our help. If you are able to be there to help, great. If you are unable, she only asks that you copy this notice and circulate it to all of your friends in case they might be available.
NO funding for CRC!!
The Oregon Legislators are getting ready to vote
on FUNDING the Columbia River Crossing
The Oregon Legislators need to hear from you personally!
Your chance to make a difference is now
Oregon State Capitol Steps
January 15, 2013
Tent on Capitol Steps
Walk and Talk
8AM – 5PM
Contact individual elected offices from 8 AM to 5PM sharing your concerns about the CRC. Main action will be between 10AM – 3PM (Offices close at 5PM) Face to face real conversations will make the biggest impact.
Your issue may not be on this short list…. Yet it is important!
Respect Our Vote on light rail!
The taxpayers of SW Washington have voted to deny funding for light rail. The Oregon Legislator needs to hear why they should deny funding the Columbia River Crossing until a new transit alternative has been chosen.
Tolling too expensive and overburdening on families and business
CRC is too expensive and will rob every other transportation project for decades
Better alternatives have not been considered or studied and need to be
Lowering the bridge height will kill businesses now and limit them in the future
This project WILL NOT relieve congestion or add capacity across the river
6+ years of construction congestion on the I-5 freeway without a third crossing first is unacceptable and unsafe
Come for yourself, your children, your community,
those that can’t come, and state your concerns
Economic Transportation Alliance Third Bridge Now.com 501c3 Non-Profit 503.283.9585 Come Be Part of the Solution!
Sharon adds, “This is very important and we need as many people as possible to come or send a statement of their own….. Face to face is the most important way to influence elected officials.”
“The event will be friendly and well organized so people will have the opportunity to make it to as many offices as possible. If you can help out by coming down and helping direct people that would be wonderful. If you can provide material to hand out that would be great. 105 pieces of information is what is need to pass out information for the offices we will be visiting. Please make sure your contact information is on the data. Call if you can help out or if you know someone who can… this can make a big difference. ”
Again, if you are unable, please copy this announcement and email it to all of your friends.
