The decision comes on the heels of the Camas City Council’s unanimous passage of a similar resolution in February, which was authored by Councilor Leslie Lewallen
BATTLE GROUND – Monday (March 3) night, the Battle Ground City Council voted 4-3 to pass a resolution opposing the inclusion of light rail in the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project, marking another major stand by Southwest Washington communities against the costly and ineffective transit proposal.
This decision comes on the heels of the Camas City Council’s unanimous passage of a similar resolution in February, which was authored by Councilor Leslie Lewallen. The growing opposition underscores the region’s concerns about the light rail portion of the project’s financial burden, lack of congestion relief, and the potential for Portland’s public safety issues to spill into Southwest Washington.
“I’m thrilled to see Battle Ground join the fight against wasteful spending on light rail,” said Lewallen. “This should be a wake-up call for every municipality in Southwest Washington. Our communities deserve real transportation solutions — not billions wasted on a failing system. I encourage other local governments to take a stand and ensure our voices are heard.”
The I-5 Bridge replacement project has already spent $400 million in taxpayer dollars, with light rail being one of its most controversial components. The current proposal includes just 1.9 miles of light rail extending into Washington at a staggering cost of $2 billion, plus nearly $20 million in projected annual operations and maintenance costs.
With two cities now formally opposing light rail, the movement to remove it from the IBR project is gaining momentum. Local leaders and residents across the region are calling for practical, fiscally responsible transit solutions that better serve Southwest Washington’s commuters.
- Goodbye, bumpy ride on I-5 in Vancouver
Three coordinated WSDOT projects will improve more than 6 miles of I-5 in Clark County, backed by a $25 million investment. - Nighttime work on I-5 between Ridgefield and Woodland will replace damaged concrete panels Sept. 14-19
Granite Construction will close right and center lanes nightly on I-5 between mileposts 9.5 and 21.5 through Sept. 19. - County seeks volunteers to serve on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Clark County seeks two volunteers, including one youth member, for its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; deadline is Oct. 11, 2026. - Washington Rep. John Ley warns ballooning bridge budget needs reality check
Rep. John Ley says the IBR ballooned from a $44M contract to a $13B–$15B project, with phase one still $2.2B short. - POLL: The IBR project is described as only 30% designed and 30% funded after more than six years of work. How confident are you in the current management of the IBR program?
IBR’s cost has climbed from $3.2–$4.8B to $15.2B while the project remains 30% designed and 30% funded.
