 News Release Transportation commissions form bi-state tolling subcommittee to guide tolling on Interstate 5 bridge NEWS – Joint Release Oregon Transportation Commission Transportation Commission Office – 355 Capitol St. NE – Salem, OR 97301-3871 – 503-986-3450 Washington State Transportation Commission Transportation Commission Office – PO Box 47308 – Olympia, WA – 98504-7308 – 360-705-7070 Feb. 16, 2024 For more information, contact Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director, 360-705-7070 or Kevin Glenn, ODOT Communications Director, 503-910-5965. SALEM, OR. – The Oregon Transportation Commission and Washington State Transportation Commission have formed a new bi-state tolling subcommittee to study and assess possible toll rates and policies for the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River. The subcommittee’s first meeting is on Friday, Feb. 23, and the public is invited to attend. The bi-state tolling subcommittee is made up of two commissioners appointed from each state’s transportation commission. Lee Beyer and Alicia Chapman are representing Oregon on the subcommittee; James “Jim” A. Restucci and Roy Jennings are representing Washington. They will assess toll rate and policy options for the bridge. The subcommittee also will advise the full memberships of the Washington and Oregon transportation commissions and ultimately provide recommendations on toll rates and policies for each state commission’s consideration and action in late 2025. The public is invited to attend the virtual meeting, which will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23. The meeting will be streamed live on Zoom. Public comment is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. Written comment may be submitted to info@bistatesubcommittee.org. The January adoption of the bi-state tolling agreement by each state’s transportation commission set the stage for the bi-state tolling subcommittee. The subcommittee will meet virtually the third Friday of every month, and each meeting will provide an opportunity for public comment. Meeting notices and agendas will be posted on the WSTC and OTC websites prior to meetings. Construction of the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River is anticipated to begin by early 2026, and tolling is expected to begin in spring 2026. Tolling is expected to provide traffic management and vital funding for the project as well as cover ongoing maintenance costs for the bridge and tolling operations. Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout Washington by finding the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot. Free WiFi access in Oregon is available at these locations: Peninsula Park Community Center, 700 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland, 97217 Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 NE Knott Street, Portland, 97212 Johns Community Center, 8427 N. Central Street, Portland, 97203 Kenton Library, 8226 N. Denver Avenue, Portland, 97217 Johns Library, 7510 N. Charleston Avenue, Portland, 97203 Hyperlinks within the release: Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/84421909149?pwd=aURNMnl2ZU5UVlBtbjdaN1BpUXN3QT09 WSTC: wstc.wa.gov/programs/tolling/i-5-bridge-over-the-columbia-river/ OTC: oregon.gov/odot/Get-Involved/Pages/Bistate-toll-commission.aspx Drive-In WiFi Hotspot: commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/ ### Americans with Disabilities Act Information Individuals requesting accommodations may request written materials in alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility accommodations, or other reasonable accommodations by contacting the Washington State Transportation Commission at 360-705-7070 or by emailing transc@wstc.wa.gov. In Oregon, please contact the Oregon Transportation Commission Assistant at 503-986-3450 or email OTCAdmin@odot.state.or.us at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to make your request. Title VI Notice to Public It is the Washington State Transportation Commission’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his or her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OECR’s Title VI Coordinator at (360) 705-7090. Looking for a great job with a competitive salary and good benefits?Want to help your community every day? Apply now at ODOTJobs.com. Nothing quite fit? Check back often! |
East Columbia Neighborhood Association 