New state transportation chief orders review of megaprojects, including CRC
Recommendations for improvements will be made by Sept. 30
Newly named state Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson on Thursday announced a broad review of three active megaprojects, including the Columbia River Crossing.
Heavy lifting in full swing on Salmon Creek Interchange Project (with video)
Girders are being hoisted to form skeleton of new bridge
With much of its foundation now in place, the Salmon Creek Interchange Project is looking up — on Tuesday, about 40 feet up.
Coast Guard: More info needed on CRC bridge height
The U.S. Coast Guard has told Columbia River Crossing leaders that it can't proceed on a crucial permit application without more information on the project's proposed bridge height and its impacts.
Girder setting begins at Salmon Creek project
Construction crews today began setting concrete girders at the northern convergence of Interstate 5 and Interstate 205, marking a milestone for the Salmon Creek Interchange Project.
Plan eyes new way to manage fisheries
It would boost salmon by protecting fish they eat
A draft ecological plan now under review could mark a subtle but significant shift in the way policymakers manage West Coast fisheries.
Small oil leak reported at Bonneville Dam
One to two tablespoons per day getting into river; workers trying to stop it
State and federal officials are working to stop an oil leak at Bonneville Dam that’s putting about one to two tablespoons of oil per day into the Columbia River.
Herrera Beutler questions CRC expenses
Congresswoman sends letter to CRC director asking her to explain some project costs
In a letter sent to Columbia River Crossing Director Nancy Boyd today, U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, asked Boyd to explain why certain CRC expenses are necessary.
Madore light-rail vote effort stalls
Transportation council doesn't lend support to resolution
The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council on Tuesday turned back an unannounced effort by Clark County Commissioner David Madore to pledge support for another public vote on light rail funding.
Oregon CRC vote puts spotlight on Washington
Funding approval may face tougher road in Olympia
With an 18-11 vote on Monday, the Oregon Senate moved funding the Columbia River Crossing off the state's legislative agenda this year.
Shifting snowfall patterns hurt economies that rely on winter visitors
Anyone involved in the winter tourism industry knows what uncertainty feels like.
Bill eyes tolls to pay for state's CRC share
Sen. Cleveland's 'Plan B' would also rely on fuel taxes if lawmakers do not approve funding
Drivers could pay even more in tolls to cross the Columbia River if a backup plan to pay Washington's share of the Columbia River Crossing is passed.
UPDATE: CRC could cost river manufacturers $116M in lost profits
Project officials discussing possible compensation for affected businesses
The Columbia River Crossing's proposed 116-foot bridge height could cost three major river manufacturers up to $116 million in lost profits, project officials told the U.S. Coast Guard in a crucial permit application filed last month.
CRC forum draws 200
Critics speak at Skyview while supporters win vote in Oregon House
On the same day Oregon lawmakers advanced a key funding bill for the Columbia River Crossing, three outspoken critics of the project underscored the project's shortcomings, major financial risks and uncertainties during a public forum in Vancouver on Monday night.
A new hope in energy storage?
Tests at BPA's Ross Complex could be key to solving Northwest power grid woes
Call it the million-megawatt question. Is there a practical, effective way to store energy on a large enough scale to ease bottlenecks on the regional electric power grid?
Spectacular summers make rainy season worth it
Wet months and dry are all pretty temperate here
Residents of the Northwest’s wet side — west of the Cascade Range — like to say summer doesn’t really start until after the Fourth of July.
Cars rule the Clark County commute
Big-dollar projects are under way to smooth the road
It’s no secret that many Clark County residents don’t work in their hometowns — some 60,000 cross the Interstate 5 and 205 bridges each day to reach their jobs in Oregon.
C-Tran seeks direction on light rail
Directors can't agree how to proceed after meeting
When it comes to light rail, the C-Tran Board of Directors can agree on this much:
UPDATE: Pearson Field airspace restriction dropped
FAA allows current relationship with PDX to continue
The Federal Aviation Administration has dropped a controversial airspace restriction over Vancouver’s Pearson Field, handing a victory to the city and others who lobbied against it.
UPDATE: Washington transportation revenue plan includes $450 million for CRC
The plan, proposed by House Democrats, faces opposition from Republicans
The $450 million in Washington state dollars Columbia River Crossing planners are banking on is included in a transportation revenue package proposed by House Democrats today.
CRC loses a major backer in Hammond
Lynn Peterson will replace her as state transportation boss
With the departure of Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond, the Columbia River Crossing loses one of its strongest backers in state government.
WSP hopefuls push themselves
State patrol recruiters test potential cadets rigorously
Before even the first push-up of the day, Washington State Patrol Trooper Pete Stock made sure everyone knew what they were getting into.
Gun owners carry weapons, go out for coffee in Orchards
More than 100 gun owners -- and their firearms -- converged on a Vancouver coffee shop Saturday, making a visual statement in support of guns and the right to carry them openly.
UPDATE: Wrong-way driver dies in I-5 crash near Woodland
One person died and another was seriously injured in a head-on collision on Interstate 5 near Woodland early Saturday morning, according to Washington State Patrol.
Bus rapid transit backers to C-Tran: Move project forward
Supporters of bus rapid transit made a renewed push for the system Tuesday night, undeterred by a November vote that left the proposal without a clear path forward for local funding.
For BPA, where to draw the line
Transmission line gets new focus, urgency as property owners worry
From 500 feet up, much of the route looks rugged and remote. The proposed footprint of a new high-powered transmission line crosses large swaths of forestland as it snakes through east and north Clark County.
UPDATED: GPS distraction blamed for truck-train collision
Driver was searching for cellphone when second crash occurred
A train on Thursday collided with a semi truck that veered off state Highway 14, went over an embankment and came to rest on a BNSF Railway railroad track in the Columbia River Gorge.
County commissioners to consider anti-CRC resolution
Clark County commissioners next week will consider a resolution opposing the Columbia River Crossing.
Advocates push 'common sense' CRC alternative
Plan would first build separate, smaller bridge for local traffic, light rail
As the Columbia River Crossing lurches forward, a small group of advocates is making a renewed push to promote an idea they say could work better for a lower cost.
2013 shaping up to be a crucial year for CRC
The Columbia River Crossing brings an ambitious to-do list into 2013, with more eyes than ever closely watching the controversial megaproject.
Landslide closes section of NW 179th Street
Clark County has closed a 650-foot section of Northwest 179th Street due to a landslide threatening to undermine the north side of the roadway.
State senator calls for new plan on CRC
State Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, on Thursday called for a “new direction” on the Columbia River Crossing in a letter to Gov. Jay Inslee.
Herrera Beutler, other lawmakers ask for 'full study' of CRC
Economic impacts concern Herrera Beutler and others
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, and three other House Republicans on Wednesday called for a full study of the economic impacts of Columbia River Crossing, citing "continued concerns" with the $3.5 billion megaproject.
CRC-backing transportation chief to resign
LaHood's departure won't derail project, senators say
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a high-level supporter of the Columbia River Crossing, is stepping down from his post this year.
Davy Crockett barge owner fined $405,000
Removal of vessel from Columbia River cost more than $22 million
The owner of a barge on the Columbia River at the center of a massive cleanup in 2011 has been fined $405,000 by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Agency lifts Clark County burn ban
Improving air quality on Thursday prompted the Southwest Clean Air Agency to lift a countywide burn ban that had stretched for 10 days. Residents are allowed to burn wood again but should still be mindful of health effects when doing so, according to the agency.
Crews work to fix landslide damage near Ridgefield
When a landslide ripped away part of the foundation below a section of state Highway 501 outside Ridgefield late last month, repair crews went to a familiar game plan.
Weather transition could bring slick conditions
Freezing rain in the forecast for much of S.W. Washington early Wednesday
Road crews are bracing for a slick Wednesday morning commute, with possible freezing rain in the forecast for much of Southwest Washington, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.
County halts funding to economic development council
Madore, Mielke break contract over council's support for light rail
Commissioners say they'll reinstate funding if CREDC changes position on light rail
City floats special district for train 'quiet zone'
Neighbors have option of paying to silence horns at three crossings
The city of Vancouver is asking residents of its east end if they support paying to silence train horns in their neighborhood.
Highway money uncertain for CRC
If federal funding, part of the plans for years, falls through, states get the bill
As Washington and Oregon search for money for the Columbia River Crossing, lawmakers in both states are working with a specific target in mind: $450 million.
Burn ban upgraded as stagnant air lingers
A stubbornly stagnant weather pattern and poor air quality Friday prompted local officials to increase restrictions on burning in Clark County.
UPDATE: Benton, Rivers propose anti-light rail bill
Senators seek to withhold funding for CRC
State Sens. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, and Ann Rivers, R-La Center, are proposing legislation that would block a light rail line on the Columbia River Crossing.
Vancouver won't push to validate light-rail petition
Petitioners for a public Vancouver vote want more signatures to count
Citizens pushing for a vote on light rail made their case to the Vancouver City Council on Monday, but ultimately appeared no closer to reviving a petition the county declared invalid this month.
Burn ban declared in Clark County
A stagnant weather pattern expected to linger through this week has prompted local officials to declare a Stage 1 burn ban in Clark County.
Birding couples enjoy big year
Vancouver residents break record for number of species spotted in Washington
When Eric and Tammy Bjorkman pulled into a Kennewick park last June, they came upon an unusual sight: a man lying on the ground, binoculars to his face, looking straight up.
BPA shows power line plans in Camas
Open house is first of six community forums on proposed 79-mile project
CAMAS — As the Bonneville Power Administration continues to hone plans for a high-powered transmission line through Clark and Cowlitz counties, plenty of residents made it clear Thursday they feel the agency has more work to do.
C-Tran advances new fare system proposal
Plan includes electronic payment cards, mobile data terminals, wireless technology
The C-Tran Board of Directors on Tuesday advanced a proposal that could equip the agency's vehicles with a new electronic fare system.
West Vancouver railroad crossing closes for good
Move part of project to improve waterfront access
A west Vancouver railroad crossing closed for good on Monday, marking another step in an ongoing transformation of the downtown area.
Clark County families welcome first babies of 2013
Boy surprises by arriving early; girl, mom doing well
A Washougal couple on Tuesday welcomed the first baby born in a Clark County hospital in 2013.
Local hospitals welcome first babies of 2013
A Washougal couple on Tuesday welcomed the first baby born in a Clark County hospital in 2013.
