OLYMPIA — Rep. Vicki Kraft, R-Vancouver, offered an amendment to the House transportation budget proposal to explore the possibility of an additional bridge, or other passage, between southwest Washington and Oregon.
Kraft’s proposal, Amendment 526, did not pass.
“This amendment puts additional focus on the possibility of a third bridge or other connector west of I-5,” said Kraft. “I’ve heard clearly from the citizens that they want traffic congestion reduced. Additionally, in order to grow and develop the economy in our region, freight mobility must be improved.”
Kraft’s amendment would have provided funding for the Joint Transportation Committee to hire consultants to evaluate available options west of I-5, between southwest Washington and Oregon. This analysis would provide high-level conceptual designs for options, as well as cost estimates for construction.
“I sponsored this amendment to spark the conversation, and further the dialogue, in our area and potentially with Oregon legislators for a solution,” continued Kraft. “We need to expand the discussion about traffic congestion relief for southwest Washington. I hope this amendment encourages next steps toward a viable solution.”
You can read more about Kraft’s proposal here.
Information provided by Washington State House Republican Communications.
