Opinion

Opinion: ‘If you tolerate lies and dishonesty from the government, you’re guaranteed more’

Lars Larson criticizes state officials for refusing to disclose updated cost estimates for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, arguing that a lack of transparency guarantees further government dishonesty.

By Lars Larson · December 16, 2025

Part of this storylineI-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement273 stories →

Opinion: ‘If you tolerate lies and dishonesty from the government, you’re guaranteed more’ — Lars Larson criticizes state officials for refusing to disclose updated cost estimates for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, arguing that a lack of transparency guarantees further government dishonesty.

Lars Larson criticizes state officials for refusing to disclose updated cost estimates for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, arguing that a lack of transparency guarantees further government dishonesty.

Lars Larson weighs in on the lack of answers from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program leaders

Lars Larson
The Northwest Nonsense

See Grok’s analysis of this story

If you tolerate lies and dishonesty from the government, you’re guaranteed more.

Think about that as you absorb today’s news that government officials from Oregon and Washington have REFUSED to tell the people’s representatives the estimated cost of the Interstate Bridge replacement project.

A dozen years ago, these cheats promised lawmakers in both states the bridge would cost $3.5 billion to maybe $5 billion.

Then just a few years later, before the inflation of the Biden years, the cost jumped … $5 billion to maybe $7.5 billion. That was 2022.

Since then, these so-called “public servants” running the I-5 Bridge replacement project have refused to tell taxpayers their new cost estimate! Representative John Ley has been dogging this for years, but he can’t get the answer we all want.

The guy running the show, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Administrator Greg Johnson, just announced he’s leaving his $300-000 a year job as captain of this financial Titanic.

I figure Johnson knows the new number will hit $10 billion or more … nearly three times the cost 12 years ago so he’s getting off the boat before it sinks.

Now, do you have any doubt, if you worked for a company, ramrodding a project, and the boss asked for a cost estimate and you told him “no,” that you’d be looking at a fresh pink slip?

Only the government doesn’t work that way round here.

Under the Grok Lens

Analysis created with Grok

This independent analysis was created with Grok, an AI model from xAI. It is not written or edited by ClarkCountyToday.com and is provided to help readers evaluate the article’s sourcing and context.

Quick summary

In this opinion column, Lars Larson criticizes Interstate Bridge Replacement Program officials for declining to share an updated cost estimate with legislators, argues that the lack of disclosure reflects government dishonesty, and speculates that outgoing administrator Greg Johnson is departing because anticipated project costs may exceed $10 billion.

What Grok notices

Summarizes earlier cost ranges for the bridge replacement (about $3.5–$5 billion a decade ago and $5–$7.5 billion in 2022), giving readers a timeline for concerns about escalating estimates.
Notes Rep. John Ley’s efforts to obtain updated figures and the program’s refusal to release them, framing the dispute as a transparency and oversight issue.
Places Greg Johnson’s announced year‑end departure, and his compensation level, in the context of these unresolved cost questions.
Mentions that some justification for delay centers on pending decisions, such as the U.S. Coast Guard’s ruling on bridge height, without detailing all technical factors involved.
Reflects Lars Larson’s recurring themes about government accountability, taxpayer exposure to megaproject risk, and skepticism toward agency communications.

Questions worth asking

Which specific elements—such as inflation, design changes, or added transit components—are contributing most to potential increases beyond the 2022 cost estimate?
How could delays in releasing updated cost information affect federal grant timelines, state‑budget planning, or local partner contributions?
In what ways might the U.S. Coast Guard’s eventual decision on navigation clearance and bridge height alter overall project design and cost?
What formal tools do legislators and oversight bodies have to require more frequent or detailed financial updates from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program?
How do other states manage transparency, contingency planning, and public reporting for large transportation megaprojects during permitting and design phases?