Benton calls for public vote on Columbia River Crossing plan

February 18, 2009

OLYMPIA…Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, is sponsoring a bill to require a public vote before any state funds can be spent on the construction of the proposed Columbia River Crossing. 

“This billion-dollar plan needs to go to a vote of the people of Clark County,” Benton said. “Putting it on the ballot will ensure a focused debate and give voters a voice in whether or not to make this enormous expenditure of tax dollars.” 

Benton says Clark County citizens need to know: 

All available facts demonstrate that less than 3 percent of the people driving across the bridge today will change to light rail – an impact too small to make a difference. 

It really doesn’t matter how many lanes move traffic across the bridge if only three lanes meet it on both sides – the root problem is the Interstate 5 corridor and the need for more lanes.  

Every other critical transportation need in Clark County will suffer neglect for years if the state commits billions of dollars to just this one project. 

On top of the Oregon income tax they pay, tolling will add an additional cost of $1,200 or more per year for Clark County citizens that commute to work in Oregon. 

Senate Bill 6040 would prohibit state transportation funds from being used for the plan unless the residents of Clark County approve a ballot measure supporting the plan and specifically the light rail bridge and tolling. 

“I don’t want the citizens of Clark County to be misled,” Benton said. “Up until now, I think they have just been told this is the plan, like it or not – as if they have no stake in the matter. Well, they do – they will be picking up the tab.” 

SB 6040 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee for consideration. 

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Additional Contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov