The bill would also fund the Columbia River Crossing light-rail project.
Senate Bill 1510 gives TriMet new authority to borrow money for construction outside its service area. Critics of the Columbia River Crossing see the bill as a new method to fund the controversial project. (The last attempt to replace the existing I-5 Bridge between Portland and Vancouver died in 2014 after officials spent $200 million on planning.)
‘Ultimately,’ says state Rep. Julie Parrish (R-West Linn), ‘this is a back door to the CRC and light rail across the Columbia River.’
(READ MORE: Willamette Week)