What we have learned from the failed Columbia River Crossing project is that federal funding for a new bridge entails light rail and Clark County rejects TriMet’s involvement for such a project.
However, on a future bridge, could C-Tran or a private company construct its own rail line on the new bridge that would, for example, originate in downtown Vancouver and end at Delta Park? The train would operate primarily for commuters during peak hours, fares would be checked and in turn, any potential criminal element seeping across the river from Portland would be practically nonexistent.
Clark County commuters need a new Interstate 5 bridge more than Portlanders. Given this, can Clark County take the initiative to build light rail for Vancouver and Clark County and secure needed federal funding for such a crucial interstate transportation upgrade?
Michael Ludeman
Vancouver
