I write as a concerned Oregonian with extensive knowledge of Vancouver and Clark County gained as a board member of the Fort Vancouver National Trust. As chair of its long-range planning committee, I helped FVNT respond to the Columbia River Crossing proposal, which included using eminent domain to take land from National Park Service and city of Vancouver property.
Despite Gov. Jay Inslee’s efforts, opposition in Southwest Washington prevented the state Legislature from funding the CRC. Opponents are threatening to take the governor to court to prevent any cooperation necessitated by CRC implementation by Oregon. The risks Oregonians face to pay for the Oregon-only plan invalidate the rationale advanced by project proponents. Will we collect toll revenues from Washingtonians determined to not support a bridge with light rail? Are Oregonians prepared to provide construction and operational funding for light rail into Washington?
There is well-organized and politically strong opposition to the current CRC proposal. The Oregon-only plan makes a mockery of Washington’s sovereignty to determine its own transportation priorities. Oregonians would be just as opposed if the situation were reversed. The risk vs. reward ratio of the current CRC proposal is out of balance, imperiling the state of Oregon’s bonding capacity, general fund, and transportation priorities for decades into the future. I ask that citizens refuse to support the Oregon-only CRC proposal.
Bing Sheldon
Portland
