Many thoughts come to mind regarding the Columbia River Crossing. Where does the revenue currently come from to pay for the operators and supervisors within the lift tower, the electricity to raise and lower lift spans, for cleaning bird droppings, and for all other maintenance and operation costs? Do both states and/or the cities of Portland and Vancouver share these costs? What are the total annual costs at present? Are all the operation and maintenance personnel employed by ODOT paying state income tax?
These questions should be answered to reflect the savings. Without these costs, with a new bridge, why then would there be a need for tolls?
The Interstate 5 corridor extends north and south through Oregon and Washington, with many east-west routes, moving products to all points within both states. Each state should support this endeavor by adding a one-penny fee to each gallon of gas, strictly dedicated to the replacement bridge.
This would eliminate tolling residents working in Oregon, or people going to medical appointments.
Revenue would be saved, and the ever-increasing costs of operation and maintenance and, by extension, tolling would be eliminated.
