[Excerpt from Columbia Corridor Newsletter]
CCA hosted a transportation summit in partnership with Identity Clark County, Portland Business Alliance, Greater Portland Inc, Columbia River Economic Development Council, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, and SW Fact on August 28 with over 180 business and community members. Presenters and comments from participants reinforced that it's past time to replace the Interstate 5 bridge. Congestion and commutes have significant increased since the Columbia River Crossing project was terminated in May 2014.
As an outgrowth of this summit, there was strong media coverage and endorsements for renewed discussions from Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, Clark County Council, Vancouver City Council among others. Over 60 parties have signed onto a letter urging Oregon and Washington legislative leaders to meet. Oregon House Speaker Kotek has committed to restarting conversations by the end of this year.
The event caught the attention of The Columbian, Portland Tribune, Oregon Live, and several other news stations.