AN ACT Relating to tolling on Interstate 5 bridges spanning the Columbia river;
Summary
HB 1559 authorizes tolling on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project spanning the Columbia River between Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The bill defines the project as the bi-state multimodal corridor improvement program and designates it as an eligible toll facility. It allows tolls to be imposed on the existing and replacement Interstate 5 Columbia River bridges, but not on travel on the Washington state portion of Interstate 5.
The bill also directs that toll revenue generated from the project be spent only as allowed under existing state law governing the interstate bridge replacement project. In addition, it repeals several existing statutes and uncodified provisions related to the Columbia River crossing and interstate bridge replacement agreements, effectively updating and consolidating the legal framework for the project.
Impact
HB 1559 would amend Washington law to expressly permit tolling for the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project over the Columbia River and to clarify how toll revenue may be used. It would affect statutes governing the Columbia River crossing, interstate bridge replacement agreements, and related bi-state project authority, while preserving a limit that tolls cannot be charged for travel on the Washington state portion of I-5. The bill would primarily affect motorists using the existing and future I-5 Columbia River bridges and the agencies responsible for project financing and administration.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a technical and financing-focused transportation bill intended to advance a major bridge replacement project rather than a broadly ideological policy change.
Contention
The likely points of contention are tolling itself, the cost burden on drivers, and the use of toll revenue for a bi-state transportation project. Opponents would likely focus on the imposition of tolls on bridge users and any perceived diversion of revenue, while supporters would likely emphasize project funding, bridge replacement needs, and regional mobility. Because no hearing transcript is available, the specific positions of legislators, agencies, or stakeholders cannot be confirmed from the provided record.
Requiring approval by the joint Oregon-Washington legislative action committee of certain contracts regarding the interstate bridge replacement project replacing the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia river.