Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski gets some sort of dubious “most intentionally vague press release ever” award for this announcement his office sent out today:
Governor Kulongoski Applauds Securing of Federal Funds for Columbia River Crossing
Governor commends securing of $42 million as important in moving project forward(Salem) — “I want to thank Senator Murray for her continuing support of the Columbia River Crossing. This is more than just a bridge between two states. It is a vital transportation and economic development link that will create thousands of jobs and will be one of the most green and innovative transportation projects in the nation. This vote of confidence reinforces the support that we have received from the Northwest congressional delegation and will help this vital project move forward.”
That’s right! Washington Senator Patty Murray has found $42 million to throw toward the CRC money pit. Gov. K neglected to mention that this $42 million is only 30 percent of the $1.25 billion the project estimates it will need in federal funding to build the 10 to 12 lane megabridge to Vancouver. GOOD JOB PATTY MURRAY!
I should have known this was coming because last week I was at that weird CRC cocktail party and Project Director Richard Brandman told the audience they’d be seeking $1.25 billion from the feds and added, “That’s a large number to be seeking, but we have some promising leads.”
More reporting on the amount of public money spent on planning the CRC here.
- Zack Soto
I think you mean 3%, not 30% 🙂
You rock, Sarah Mirk. I tell everyone that. And pre-vacation Sarah has an edge on her writing that is just excellent.
@ Sarah: So, you thought she found 30% of the budget for the CRC, and you considered that a puny achievement?
@colin of the projected federal contribution. Which, in proportion to the projected cost of the entire project, especially considering Oregon’s current financial state, is a pretty puny achievement, really.
So let’s just build a bridge that only goes 30% of the way across, what’s the problem?
Let’s just use that money to turn Vancouver into a giant network of cross tracks.
What Chris Smith said.