Port of Vancouver commissioners pass resolution in support of new bridge

Port of Vancouver commissioners this week unanimously passed a resolution that supports the replacement of the Interstate 5 Bridge.

“This is an economic issue for our community, region and the entire West Coast, affecting freight mobility as well as employers, workers and emergency responders,” Commissioner Brian Wolfe said during the meeting.

The resolution backs the Washington state Legislature’s effort to designate the replacement of the Interstate 5 Bridge as a project of statewide significance, and it supports the Washington State Department of Transportation using resources to collaborate with the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Additionally, the port’s resolution supports the appropriation or transfer of money to start planning, engineering and construction of the Interstate 5 Bridge replacement and related freeway interchange improvements.

In 2008, the Port of Vancouver commission passed a resolution in support of the Columbia River Crossing without a high-capacity transit element.

The commissioners of the Port of Ridgefield and the Port of Camas-Washougal are expected to vote on the same resolution at their regular meetings in the upcoming weeks.

The city of Vancouver passed a similar resolution declaring the replacement of the Interstate 5 Bridge a project of statewide significance on Feb 7.