THIS WEEK AT THE CAPITOL

THIS WEEK AT THE CAPITOL: I-5 BRIDGE HEARING SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY
 

Legislature to consider Oregon-led, bi-state replacement for bridge,
looks to Washington State for partnership

The House Transportation and Economic Development Committee will hold a public hearing on a proposed Oregon-led partnership with Washington State to replace the outdated Interstate-5 bridge.  The issue has taken on increasing urgency after a letter from Governor John Kitzhaber made it clear that without action by the Oregon Legislature and Washington State, the project will be shelved. I-5 Columbia River Bridge

 
Oregon leaders have spent the last seven months vetting options for moving forward on the bridge replacement after the Washington Legislature failed to act last year.  A series of financial and legal analyses have been completed in recent weeks which indicate a project would be prudent and feasible if Washington State delivers an intergovernmental agreement securing their participation in the project.  

 
Legislators will take testimony on language that will be amended into HB 4113.  If the Oregon Legislature does not succeed in approving the Oregon-led, bi-state project by March 9, efforts to build a safe bridge across the Columbia may be stalled for a decade or more due to lost federal funding.  

 
The public hearing and work session will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 12. 

 Link to HB 4113 HERE

~IN OTHER NEWS~
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OREGON!

 
Join the Oregon Wheat Growers League, Oregon Supreme Court and the
Oregon State Capitol Foundation for Birthday Cake on February 14th!

 
Sincerely yours,

Arnie Roblan,

State Senator District 5