SSCR 8405

SENATE BILL REPORT
SSCR 8405

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed Senate, March 12, 2007

Brief Description: Providing for the study of legislative and financial issues regarding the Columbia River Crossing Project.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, Murray and Rasmussen).

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8405 be substituted therefor, and the substitute concurrent resolution do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Clements, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.

Background: The I-5 Columbia River Bridge was built in 1917 and no longer meets capacity or seismic vulnerability requirements. Congestion in the vicinity of the bridge is currently four to ten hours per day. More than 300 reported crashes occur annually in the vicinity of the bridge, most being attributed to congested conditions, vertical grade changes in the bridge span and narrow shoulders.

In 2001, the Portland/Vancouver I-5 Transportation and Trade Partnership began bi-state joint planning efforts to address problems in this corridor area. Planning efforts have been continued through the Columbia River Crossing Project and related projects have been completed and are under way in the vicinity of the I-5 Columbia River bridge.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The Senate and House of Representatives support bi-state, bi-partisan and multi-jurisdictional planning, coordination, and funding efforts for the Columbia River Crossing Project. The Senate and House of Representatives Transportation Committees must study legislative issues, including financial issues regarding the project.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: There is a desperate need for additional crossings across the river and this will require bi-state participation. There are some incorrect statements included in the resolution. It is not the Legislature's job to educate citizens.