Menu
The Columbian logo tagline
Login
Wednesday,  December 11 , 2024
Current weather Vancouver, WA

Linkedin Pinterest
Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Wasteful CRC still merits rejection

The Columbian
Published: September 24, 2013, 5:00pm

The Columbia River Crossing is still rearing its ugly head and it seems they will stop at nothing for this project, including:

  1. The Rose Quarter traffic blockage remains unfixed, and Oregon used commuter discomfort to manipulate CRC project approval.

  2. $86 million taxpayer dollars promised to three companies because the bridge is too short. Insufficient bridge height will impact river commerce, jobs, and homeland security for the next 100 years.

  3. More than $85 million in pork is attached to the project.

  4. Replacing a six-lane bridge with another six-lane bridge, without significant traffic-flow improvement, is an obvious attempt to force people onto light rail.

  • Exaggerated existing bridge safety. USA Today reported 10 states with worse bridge issues than Washington and Oregon.

  • $3.8 billion? $2.4 billion? Try more than $10 billion in reality, including interest and other factors, while ignoring alternative proposals that would have produced better traffic flow (including light rail), at less than half the cost.

  • Clark County commuters will pay thousands in tolls per year.

    • Politicians love bragging about bringing big dollars home but seem far less concerned with how those dollars are wasted. With the infrastructure needs in America, the CRC is a shamefully wasteful proposal and still deserves rejection.

    Phil Way

    Hazel Dell

    We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter

    Support local journalism

    Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.

    Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.

    Community Funded Journalism logo

    Related Stories

    Featured Realtor
    Columbian Homes featured real estate agent
    View Listings