$2,400 Annual Tolls harm hard working families on both sides of the river
October 3, 2024
In a recent segment of The Lars Larson Show, Lars Larson took aim at the skyrocketing costs of the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project, which has now reached $9 billion. Highlighting concerns about the addition of $2 billion for light rail and the limited capacity for cars and trucks, Larson criticized the project’s priorities. He emphasized that 54% of the bridge’s surface is dedicated to pedestrians, bicycles, and light rail, leaving only 46% for vehicles. The most controversial aspect? Commuters could pay up to $9.40 daily in tolls, adding $2,400 a year to their budgets. Larson didn’t hold back, questioning whether the public will stand for these costs.
2 comments
Gail P
October 19, 2024 at 10:49 pm
I am speaking lots of people in this county as to why there no for or against the toll on the bridge on this voting ballot?.?.???
The same goes to WHY there isn’t any on the “
$2 billion “Light Rail “ either.
Over the years the public has voted both of these pieces town . I used to own property in the down town area and sold it because of the light rail would have ran right in front of my rentals which would lower the property value of them.
So our question is…….why are we not allowed to vote on these items that should be up to the people’s vote??
John Ley
October 19, 2024 at 11:40 pm
Buffie –
Current Washington state law does not require a vote on either this Interstate Bridge Replacement project, the TOLLS, or the extension of Light Rail.
Yes, I know in the past, Clark County residents were allowed to vote THREE separate times on light rail. But that is, in part, because it was either a local tax increase to pay for the light rail, or the Clark County Commissioners asked for an “advisory” vote by the citizens.
This time, it is the special interest politicians pushing this proposal. They are being led by Senator Annette Cleveland and Representative Sharon Wylie of Vancouver’s 49th Legislative District. The members of the Vancouver City Council, including Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle are pushing for the light rail and the tolls as well.
You should email each of them and let them know how you feel.