The Oct. 21 Columbian had a wonderful 1-2 punch regarding Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s light-rail demands (“In Our View — Bridge Talks Take a Hit” and “No light rail, no bridge, no way”).
The $3.5 billion Columbia River Crossing required Washingtonians to pay for a Steel Bridge upgrade, a new TriMet headquarters, an upgrade to their Gresham maintenance facility, and something in Hood River. Up to $2,000 in annual tolls to pay for borrowed funds was outrageous.
Forensic accountant Tiffany Couch issued reports laying out millions of dollars in questionable charges by contractors, misallocated costs and questions regarding the funding plan. Questions she raised led to a state audit raising multiple red flags and a state Legislature refusing to fund the project.
Citizens David Madore, Sharon Nasset and hundreds more spoke out. Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, earned the moniker “bridge killer.”
