Critics of extending Portland’s light rail transit system into Vancouver are planning to circulate a petition calling for city residents to vote on the matter.
However, the petition first must pass muster with Vancouver city officials charged with vetting initiatives and referendums. Nor is it clear whether the petition would have any binding effect on the multibillion-dollar Columbia River Crossing project, even if city voters ultimately approved it.
“If people are in favor of light rail, what does it hurt to put it on the ballot?” said Ralph Peabody, one of the petitioners.
The petition, if approved by voters, would enact an ordinance prohibiting the city from taking any action related to light rail.
But the city isn’t directly bearing the financial burden.
Planners anticipate the federal government will pay to extend the light rail line north from Portland’s Expo Center to Clark College.
And the annual cost of maintenance and operation would be picked up by C-Tran — not the city of Vancouver. C-Tran’s nine-member board of directors, which includes three members of the Vancouver City Council, will decide later this year on asking voters to boost the sales tax to generate the $2 million to $3 million annually needed to operate light rail in Washington.
C-Tran’s service area extends beyond the city limits of Vancouver.
The transit agency’s board of directors expects to put at least one ballot measure before voters as soon as next year in the entire service area, which encompasses Vancouver, the city’s urban growth boundary and Clark County’s other incorporated cities. In fact, the board will meet Tuesday to consider a 20-year transit development plan that includes light rail, as well as a new bus rapid transit line, expanded local and express bus routes and enhanced C-Van paratransit service.
Petitioner Charlie Stemper, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor last year, was asked Thursday whether he expected a city measure would supercede C-Tran’s ballot proposition.
“I guess it wouldn’t,” Stemper said.
It’s unclear whether a successful petition would handcuff the city’s ability to issue construction permits and other details necessary to build and operate the line in Vancouver. Judy Zeider, chief assistant city attorney, said the city is merely reviewing the form of the petition — not the legality of the ordinance if it ultimately passes.
“It’s just to look at whether, as you put it, they’ve crossed the T’s and dotted the I’s,” she said.
