Joe Kent doesn't like the I-5 bridge project. Could he change it if he's in Congress?

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Joe Kent doesn’t like how the project to replace the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River is shaping up.

But can the Republican candidate for Congress do anything about it if he wins next month’s election?

Stopping the project is unlikely nor has he said he would try. But there’s potential for him to influence the scope and trajectory of the multi-billion-dollar undertaking should he unseat Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez in their duel for the 3rd Congressional District seat.

-snip-

Kent opposes tolling and the planned inclusion of light rail. He doesn’t want the existing bridge torn down. It should be left and retrofitted for continued use, he says, and a new bridge constructed elsewhere across the Columbia River to give drivers additional options.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/10/18/joe-kent-doesnt-like-the-i-5-bridge-project-could-he-change-it-if-hes-in-congress/

One of the two spans that make up the current crossing is over 100 years old. I think replacement is a necessity in this case.

Per tolling I suppose they could be removed once the bridge is paid off.

[JT45242]

1. Year down and replace is cheaper and safer

What fingers in the pie does his family business have in renovation rather than replacement?

Sounds like a grift to me.

[bottomofthehill]

2. His changes would be the death of the project.

And then the project would have to start all over again. What he really wants is to complain about the project but not really do anything about it. Another case of republican performance campaigning

[k55f5r]

3. He has a couple of good points.

Light rail SHOULD be included. Tens of thousands of commuters live in Wa and work in Oregon.
Tolls are criminal when applied to publicly funded projects. We the people pay for the construction, with a large amount coming from the federal purse. Plus the slowdown at the booths is a major drag.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

4. You can do it without toll booths

Washington has the Good To Go pass. I imagine Oregon may have something similar.

If one doesn't have the pass they get a bill in the mail.