I-5 bridge plan could still happen

PORTLAND – A $3.4 billion proposal to replace the Interstate 5 bridge between Portland and Vancouver isn’t dead yet, even though the Washington Legislature won’t put up its proposed $450 million share.

“The need didn’t go away,” bridge official Patricia McCaig told the Oregonian in a story Tuesday.

The project’s Vancouver planning and design headquarters is preparing to close up shop as planners seek a permit from the Coast Guard and imagine a bridge that doesn’t require money from Washington state and can win approval by the Oregon Legislature.

Oregon lawmakers have voted to put up $450 million. Washington lawmakers – many opposed to including a light-rail in the project – wouldn’t do likewise. Federal grants and toll revenue would have made up the rest of the $3.4 billion cost.

Oregon’s financial commitment expires on Sept. 30, and there’s a possibility that lawmakers in that state will have a special session to deal with public pensions and taxes. Conceivably, it could be held in time for legislators to amend Oregon’s funding so the project could survive without a match by Washington.

The Coast Guard would have to issue a bridge permit by mid-October to clear the way for an application for federal funds.

McCaig said a narrowly revised project could still qualify for federal funds, notably $850 million for light rail. Radically different proposals, such as a tunnel or an additional bridge, have been taken off the table.

McCaig said no specific plan has emerged, but one approach involves Oregon highway improvements and a bridge connected to Highway 14 in Washington by an upgraded interchange. Oregon could issue $1.3 billion in bonds, with no contribution from Washington, and receive all income from bridge tolls.

Joe Cortright, a Portland economist who opposes the bridge proposal, said a truncated project financed by Oregon and the U.S. government would differ so much from the original proposal that it probably wouldn’t qualify for federal funds.