Amanda Fritz and Mary Nolan Weigh In on CRC

Proposed Columbia River Crossing
By NIGEL JAQUISS

Many special interest groups routinely ask city candidates to fill out questionnaires as part of their endorsement process, but the Portland Business Alliance is among the most detailed. Some of the group's questions force candidates to answer direct and sometimes difficult questions.

Here are the responses incumbent City Commissioner Amanda Fritz and her challenger, State Rep. Mary Nolan (D-Portland) gave about the proposed $3.5 billion Columbia River Crossing Project, which remains unfunded by either Oregon or Washington and which currently depends on unrealistic tolling assumptions:


4. The I-5 crossing project is the state's top transportation priority. It will improve safety, smooth freight delivery and create jobs. Do you support moving forward with this project now so we can secure more than $800 million in federal matching funds? If not, please explain why and what alternative you would pursue.
Amanda Fritz Yes. I support moving forward to seek federal funds, given that securing funding is the next step in the process.
Mary Nolan We need to fix the I-5 bottleneck (both as it crosses the Columbia and at the interchange with I-84) as well as meet seismic standards. I support a project that improves freight mobility, equitably serves residents and businesses on both sides of the river, is financially viable, benefits adjacent neighborhoods and can start work immediately. We should build the first great bridge of the 21st century, not a monument to 20th century standards. I am eager to apply my collaboration skills and ties to local, state and federal partners to help advance a workable solution.

WWeek 2015

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