I have said all along that the CRC did not actually die, but fell into an induced coma as both states, Oregon and Washington failed to fund their portions amidst much teeth gnashing and wailing on the part of proponents, some elected officials and business people that left the appearance of missing out on personal profits.
While there is no official announcement of a CRC light rail type of project coming back into play, there are a few indicators being heard of just that possibility coming out of light rail proponents. As of July 2022, Light Rail is once again the driving factor for a new crossing as well as another bridge too low. Vancouver City Council approves early I-5 Bridge plan. By any name, CRC is reborn!
The Lazy C has run numerous articles and editorials extolling once again, the need to replace the I-5 Bridges across the Columbia River between the states of Oregon and Washington. Of course, each makes sure to mention those that listened to constituents and worked to stop funding in a negative manner.
Commenters under the articles go a little further and give the impression of community support. But it is also known that several commenters previously seen there are either banned from commenting or have moved on.
A recent article covering Gov. Inslee quietly sneaking into town again and discussing, among other issues, what he calls a “First priority has to be the Interstate 5 Bridge, over any other crossing. It’s so critical to the economy of the region.”
Still left out is any plan for up to 8 years or more of easing even heavier congestion in an already heavily congested corridor that will be caused by the construction alongside the existing spans, people slowing down to view progress as well as the coming and going of equipment and supplies.
Also not mentioned is blocking access to downtown Vancouver, likely around the time they will be seeking tenants for their concrete jungle boondoggle on the waterfront.
The only other access across the river for several miles is the I-205 Bridge and clearly, it cannot handle the congestion now as we have seen when a traffic accident has shut down I-5.
What does Inslee believe will happen to the local economy with minimum wage jobs offered at the concrete jungle on the waterfront and traffic moving even slower than today for so many years?
Before the CRC was put into a coma, Inslee saw fit to join with Oregon Governor Kitzhaber’s cry of “no light rail, no bridge, no kidding.”
Where was his concern then over congestion and freight mobility, considering light rail carries not one piece of freight? And congestion? A look at downtown Portland shows light rail did not alleviate their congestion.
Just this past September the Lazy C ran an article on TriMet’s Chief saying the need for the I-5 bridge remains, expressing how congestion has increased. I cannot believe their inclusion of a photo of light rail with the article was accidental or without reason.
And let us not forget that hastily agreed upon contract between C-Tran and TriMet that locks us into a light rail deal with TriMet and that TriMet refused to agree to terminate once they told us the CRC light rail project “was dead.”
TriMet General Manager, Neil McFarlane said in a letter,
“For its part, TriMet views the agreement as valuable and important to retain in the event that those milestones are achieved and a viable project emerges from future bi-state discussions. Given this view, TriMet will take no action to formally terminate the agreement.”
Many struggled for several years to stop the bloated and unnecessary CRC light rail project. Each year seemed to have more and more sign on to see it as not a beneficial project and faced much scorn, belittlement and push-back from light rail proponents.
Looking around the county, it appears that some of our best opponents are either gone already or will be voted out soon, likely to be replaced with supportive officials.
This blog was very active since its beginning in opposing the CRC light rail project, supporting elected officials opposed to it and opposing those supporting it.
I still oppose it and believe it will not be of any benefit to Clark County in the likelihood it is proposed again.
But, I’m getting old and tired and quite honestly, not too pleased still with actions taken against me directly by operatives from the Clark County Republican Party.
Likewise, having recently been copied a message to a third party from a prominent elected official by that very official that in effect places blame on me for the poor outcome of the last election and subsequent loses because I chose to stay out of campaigns after being told “[you] have reached the end of your relevancy in Clark County” is not setting too well with me.
Sorry, don’t place your own shortcomings on me, I tried to warn you that bull in a china closet tactics are not beneficial and you chose not to listen.
I have no idea just how soon light rail will be back on the table. I do know there is a proposal to form and fund a “Bi-State Transportation Committee” to begin anew discussions on replacing the I-5 Bridges.
I also realize that the bridge rests completely in the 49th Legislative District and all three Democrats elected to represent the 49th are each strong light rail supporters. It was they pushing the hardest to stick us all with the expense last time.
We also know Oregon is eager to push their financially troubled light rail into our community and gain access to more revenue from us while not giving us much in return.
But the question now is who will stand up to stop it this time?
I’m told by some of the same ones that felt it proper to stab me in the back before how easy it will be to stop.
I guess we’ll see when it is actually proposed again.
I see no reason Portland’s Metro will back away from their year’s long push to force it on us any way they can.
UPDATE April 10, 2021: Willamette Week, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer Says It’s Light Rail or Bust for the Next Columbia River Bridge
Update April 21, 2022: As if there were ever any doubt I-5 Bridge project lands on light rail for replacement bridge Y’all let your guard down. By all appearances, it is now a case of damn the citizens, full speed ahead.
You were warned.