I-5 Bridge Replacement: Rep. Jim Ley Details $141M Business Mitigation Deal

Washington state Rep. Jim Ley is discussing a new legal challenge to the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement project connecting Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, as questions continue over the proposed bridge's 116-foot navigation clearance. Ley says project officials reached mitigation agreements totaling $141 million with four upriver businesses that could be affected by the bridge's lower clearance. He compares those agreements with an earlier Columbia River Crossing proposal involving $86 million for three businesses. According to Ley, Thompson Metal Fab is expected to receive the largest share of the newer mitigation agreement, with three other firms also included. The lawmaker says the new bridge's proposed 116-foot clearance is 62 feet lower than the current clearance and that a recently filed lawsuit argues the design would create an unreasonable obstacle to marine navigation. Ley also discusses a federal Department of Transportation Record of Decision authorizing the project to proceed, followed by the legal challenge. The controversy raises questions about Interstate Bridge Replacement costs, taxpayer spending, Columbia River businesses, marine navigation and the project's environmental review. Subscribe to The Center Square for more Washington transportation news, I-5 Bridge Replacement updates, government spending investigations and infrastructure accountability. #I5Bridge #JimLey #WashingtonState #TaxpayerSpending #ColumbiaRiver #Infrastructure #BridgeReplacement