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).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/26/07, 3/01/07 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/12/07, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
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.
Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)
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.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.
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.
Persons Testifying: CON: Senator Benton.