The Columbia River Crossing project includes extension of light rail into downtown Vancouver. The federal government is paying for this construction, connecting us to 55 miles of light rail in the Portland area.
With a little bit of work and creativity, we might enjoy this regional transit system without any new taxes. There may be ways to cover the operational costs of Vancouver’s light rail without raising taxes, and I believe those options must be further analyzed. This was the recommendation to me from an advisory group of our neighbors and business owners. I agree!
Rather than work harder to find other means to pay for operational costs of Vancouver’s light rail, some people want a “vote” that really would do nothing but waste more public money, waste more public time, and could raise taxes.
A sales tax increase in all the cities of Clark County is not necessary to pay for Vancouver’s light rail. Instead of assuming an increase in taxes is needed, I believe all options — including not raising taxes — should be considered first.
Mayor Tim Leavitt
Vancouver
