Free Republic

Plan sent to feds despite high forecasts; data will be updated just prior to obtaining funding Traffic forecasts for the Columbia River Crossing that remain overinflated were among the details included in environmental plans sent to federal authorities last week. The numbers will not be updated until project officials are ready to secure funding. Vancouver, WA - Columbia River Crossing planners made several key changes to the project’s environmental plans before sending them to federal authorities last week, but opted to wait on at least one other matter — updating traffic forecasts that remain overinflated. The numbers used in the...

Green Scissors 2011 identifies wasteful government subsidies that are damaging to the environment and could end up costing taxpayers more than $380 billion. Green Scissors 2011 builds on last year’s report by advancing cuts that could potentially save taxpayers $380 billion or more over five years. The report makes the case that the federal government can help protect our natural resources, reduce the growth of government spending, and make a significant dent in the national debt by eliminating harmful spending. The Green Scissors report finds cuts in energy, agriculture, transportation, and land and water projects. Targets include massive giveaways of...

PORTLAND — One casualty of the coming federal budget crunch could be a new $3 billion bridge carrying Interstate 5 across the Columbia River. At best, its sponsors acknowledge, the bridge project is going to take another whack. At worst, the sponsors say, are options they’re not ready to consider, including shelving $130 million worth of plans until the nation’s balance sheet looks better or scaling back the project. The current I-5 bridge linking Oregon and Washington is considered at risk in an earthquake, and its tie-ups infuriate commuters and truckers. Proponents of a replacement say the nation can’t afford...

Vancouver, WA-- In the last two two days, at two separate meetings, Vancouver City Councilors have made a point of asking two people testifying against light rail and tolls if they're "working for" David Madore, the man who started the group www.NoTolls.com. At the City Council meeting on Monday night, Mayor Tim Leavitt asked one of the No Tolls workers, Josephine Wentzel, if she were there that night working for "Mr. Madore." As she registered her shock and sputtered that she was there speaking only for herself as she put on her comment card, Leavitt barreled on and asserted she...

Vancouver, WA - The Columbia River Crossing has the potential to be our region’s greatest infrastructure accomplishment of the 21st century. With billions of tax dollars involved and the opportunity to better connect people and commerce for generations to come, it’s critical that we get it right. This requires accurate information and public involvement in the process. Our goals for the Columbia River Crossing are simple: First we want to build the best infrastructure today to meet the needs of our communities in the future. Second, we want to ensure every tax dollar dedicated to the project is accounted for...