Light Rail to Vancouver Rides Again

Updated with comment from TriMet.

By Nigel Jaquiss

A bill currently working its way through the Oregon Legislature could offer TriMet a means to fund light rail to Vancouver, Wash.—and another version of the $3.2 billion highway and light-rail project called the Columbia River Crossing.

Senate Bill 1510 gives TriMet new authority to borrow money for construction outside its service area. Critics of the Columbia River Crossing see the bill as a new method to fund the controversial project. (The last attempt to replace the existing I-5 Bridge between Portland and Vancouver died in 2014 after officials spent $200 million on planning.)

"Ultimately," says state Rep. Julie Parrish (R-West Linn), "this is a back door to the CRC and light rail across the Columbia River."

Updated at 12:15 pm on Feb. 25:

TriMet spokeswoman Mary Fetsch says Parrish's concerns are misplaced.

"Under SB1510, TriMet could help pay for highways and roads that it does not use if the funding comes from outside sources," Fetsch said in an email. "This bill isn't about the CRC and does not give us any authority to build a light rail line to Clark County or anyplace else."

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.