SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon House appears poised to move forward with a proposal to replace the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River.
A committee will hear public testimony Wednesday before deciding whether to advance the measure to the full House.
Business and labor groups are urging Oregon lawmakers to move forward with the project even though Washington state has declined to contribute to the project. Critics question whether Oregon should take on the entire financial risk.
The project is a priority for Gov. John Kitzhaber and House Speaker Tina Kotek, but it’s unclear how it would fare in the Senate.
Senate President Peter Courtney has said the project shouldn’t move forward without support from the Washington Legislature.
