Question by Columbian staff writer Kathie Durbin:
Our congressional delegation warns that the window for securing federal funding for a new I-5 bridge over the Columbia is rapidly closing, and that the region’s failure to reach consensus on a bridge design and the local funding match could kill the project. Do you believe a new crossing is essential to the growth of Southwest Washington? If so, what would you do to break the political gridlock? If not, what if anything should be done to improve the existing spans?
David Castillo, Republican
I do believe that a new crossing is essential to job growth in our region, and I further believe that, as an interstate highway, the federal government should bear the majority of the cost. The Columbia River Crossing is essential to the movement of goods and services up and down the west coast, and is a critical component to our ports (particularly the Port of Vancouver).
When elected, I hope to sit on the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee in order to play a key role in getting the funding needed to complete the project.
Cheryl Crist, Democrat
A new, larger Columbia River Crossing, including light rail, is vital to the continued economic growth of Southwest Washington and the larger region. The current bridge is old and vulnerable. In Congress, I’ll work tirelessly for adequate federal funding so that the brunt of the cost doesn’t fall on Clark and Multnomah Counties. With enough federal help, we can avoid funding the bridge with tolls — which fall too heavily on poor and working people.
Denny Heck, Democrat
Anyone who has ever crossed the Columbia River on Interstate 5 can and will tell you – we need something new. The incredible congestion on the current crossing…
- takes a toll on families who wait for commuting parents to get home each night;
- increases the likelihood and occurrence of dangerous traffic accidents;
- and significantly impedes the movement of freight, raising the cost of doing business in southwest Washington.
This project will drive short-term job growth during the years of construction of this several billion dollar project. More importantly, it will enhance long term job creation and economic growth in Clark County and Southwest Washington by opening up this major choke point to more efficient mobility of goods and people.
I look forward to being a strong advocate for this project both in Congress, and right here in Southwest Washington working with local, regional and state leaders to get the job done.
David W. Hedrick, Republican
I believe that a new I-5 bridge connecting Washington and Oregon is crucial to the development of Southwest Washington and the financial stability of the state of Oregon.
Oregon enjoys the enormous benefits of taxes paid by Washingtonians who work in Oregon and receive little, if any benefit for their hard earned tax dollars. At the same time, citizens of Multnomah County, Oregon demand cost prohibitive features on any new bridge such as light rail. If Oregon wants light rail, they can pay for it themselves.
I strongly believe that Oregon should use part of its tax windfall from Washington workers to fund any new bridge project. I am absolutely opposed to any project that would raise taxes, place tolls, or increase the debt of Washington commuters who already face taxation without representation in Oregon State.
Jaime Herrera, Republican
If elected, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure the federal government bears the lion’s share of responsibility for completing the Columbia River I-5 Bridge. No one needs to convince those of us who live in Clark County today the need for this project. The interstate highway carries 135,000 cars each day and is a vital artery for freight, meaning jobs in Southwest Washington depend on it. What won’t work is jamming through one plan that lacks local consensus. As a state legislator who represents Clark and Cowlitz Counties, I’ve spent countless hours listening to locals, officials and business leaders discuss this key project. I’ll use my position as this region’s federal representative to bring these interests to the table and secure the federal resources to get it done.
Norma Jean Stevens, Independent
A new bridge over the Columbia River would be a good thing if the process is done right. We must address several key issues before a final plan is done. We must also ask the people what they want by the election process. Being an advocate for fiscal responsibility from our government — I oppose any tolls or increased taxes or creating additional debt to fund the bridge. We can save and plan to build it without incurring debt and by being financially responsible. Also I am opposed to the light rail from Portland to Vancouver. Studies show that basically it would not make a difference. The same amount of cars will still travel the bridge. We need to work together in the whole process as to benefit all parties involved and so as not to create debt or financial obligations that can’t be met.
