Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber on Tuesday will finalize his state’s commitment to funding the Columbia River Crossing.
In a ceremony set for this morning, Kitzhaber will sign House Bill 2800, which authorizes Oregon to borrow $450 million and pay its state share of the $3.4 billion CRC. The bill cleared both the state House and Senate earlier this year.
The Washington Legislature has yet to commit money to the CRC, which would replace the Interstate 5 Bridge, rebuild freeway interchanges and extend light rail into Vancouver. Other funding would come from federal sources, and revenue from charging a toll on I-5.
Project leaders hope to begin construction by late 2014.
