In a big win for Columbia River I-5 bridge backers, project lands massive federal grant

The Interstate Bridge Replacement Project has landed a significant chunk of funding that could lead to a new structure that spans the Columbia River.

The $600 million, described by Oregon's U.S. Congressional delegation as "a down payment on the federal investment needed for the Interstate Bridge," comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Mega Grant program. The project is expected to cost at least $6 billion.

Efforts to build a new structure were renewed earlier this decade after leaders failed to procure funds for a new Columbia River Crossing in the mid-2010s. Some 143,000 cars crossed the bridge each day in 2019.

Elected leaders in Washington, many of whom watched as other federal grant applications were either rejected or stalled, were thrilled by the Friday afternoon news.

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