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Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(114,012 posts)
Mon Oct 21, 2024, 02:18 PM Monday

Joe Kent doesn't like the I-5 bridge project. Could he change it if he's in Congress?

Joe Kent doesn’t like how the project to replace the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River is shaping up.

But can the Republican candidate for Congress do anything about it if he wins next month’s election?

Stopping the project is unlikely nor has he said he would try. But there’s potential for him to influence the scope and trajectory of the multi-billion-dollar undertaking should he unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in their duel for the 3rd Congressional District seat.

-snip-

Kent opposes tolling and the planned inclusion of light rail. He doesn’t want the existing bridge torn down. It should be left and retrofitted for continued use, he says, and a new bridge constructed elsewhere across the Columbia River to give drivers additional options.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/10/18/joe-kent-doesnt-like-the-i-5-bridge-project-could-he-change-it-if-hes-in-congress/

One of the two spans that make up the current crossing is over 100 years old. I think replacement is a necessity in this case.

Per tolling I suppose they could be removed once the bridge is paid off.

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Joe Kent doesn't like the I-5 bridge project. Could he change it if he's in Congress? (Original Post) Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Monday OP
Year down and replace is cheaper and safer JT45242 Monday #1
His changes would be the death of the project. bottomofthehill Monday #2
He has a couple of good points. k55f5r Monday #3
You can do it without toll booths Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Monday #4

JT45242

(2,781 posts)
1. Year down and replace is cheaper and safer
Mon Oct 21, 2024, 02:27 PM
Monday

What fingers in the pie does his family business have in renovation rather than replacement?

Sounds like a grift to me.

bottomofthehill

(8,744 posts)
2. His changes would be the death of the project.
Mon Oct 21, 2024, 02:28 PM
Monday

And then the project would have to start all over again. What he really wants is to complain about the project but not really do anything about it. Another case of republican performance campaigning

k55f5r

(380 posts)
3. He has a couple of good points.
Mon Oct 21, 2024, 03:04 PM
Monday

Light rail SHOULD be included. Tens of thousands of commuters live in Wa and work in Oregon.
Tolls are criminal when applied to publicly funded projects. We the people pay for the construction, with a large amount coming from the federal purse. Plus the slowdown at the booths is a major drag.

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(114,012 posts)
4. You can do it without toll booths
Mon Oct 21, 2024, 03:11 PM
Monday

Washington has the Good To Go pass. I imagine Oregon may have something similar.

If one doesn't have the pass they get a bill in the mail.

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