As a resident of Clark County I am deeply disturbed by the recent developments involving the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad. The county seems to be working diligently to give the railway and Granite Construction’s proposed 300- to 500-acre gravel pit at Chelatchie Bluffs everything they want — rezoning, creating a heavy industrial overlay on both sides of the 33 miles of track, and even skirting necessary environmental reviews.
But the news that the railroad is starting to build a road on land the railroad is leasing from Clark County without any permits or even informing their landlord is beyond belief. This construction has blocked a stream, killing fish and other aquatic life. The president of the railroad, Eric Temple, seems to think he is above the law and that his actions do not require any local oversight.
This archaic project deserves to be wholly rejected by Clark County, not funded by it. A better alternative to serve the citizens and economy of Clark County is to turn this corridor into a multi-use path/linear park. Let’s look forward not backward.
