Kulongoski reiterates support for tolls, new transportation projects

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Thursday reinforced his commitment to funding a new Columbia River Crossing with tolls collected on the Oregon side.

Kulongoski, a Democrat, also said he believes the Columbia River project can co-exist with myriad other transportation maintenance alternatives that he'll introduce during Oregon's 2009 legislative session.

Kulongoski, who appeared at a Portland event touting various transportation initiatives, told reporters an Interstate 5 toll bridge would likely serve as a better funding tool than other vehicle-related fees. Oregon law prohibits using gas taxes, vehicle registration fees, car rental taxes or other such levies for new construction projects.

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"I'm open to any method you have," Kulongoski said. "And I'm not suggesting that any one method pay for this by itself. I favor tolling, and that raises the issue of what to do with the (Interstate) 205 bridge."

Officials are considering placing tolls on bridges spanning the Columbia River on Interstates 5 and 205, between Oregon and Washington. In the last month, six public agencies have approved a six-lane option with a light-rail line offering service from Portland to Clark College, in Vancouver, Wash.

Kulongoski, Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams and Sen. Rick Metsger (D-Welches) told a crowd of reporters and Southeast Portland business interests that they'd work collectively on transportation initiatives in 2009. Adams continues to consider his Safe Streets initiative that would, through new fees, raise $422 million to maintain and improve Portland's streets and sidewalks. Metsger will likely work with Kulongoski on the governor's newest Connect Oregon transportation funding package, as well as devise ways to fund the new Columbia River bridge.

Kulongoski has pushed through two Connect Oregon funding packages during Oregon's last two regular legislative sessions, and plans to introduce a third in 2009.

"The new package will be more comprehensive, greener and safer than anything we've ever done before," Kulongoski said.

The high-profile bridge project shouldn't overshadow the state's need to maintain its railways, seaports and highway systems, he added.

"We shouldn't be looking at these as single projects," he said. "They're all a part of a multimodal approach to fix our transportation system."

Metsger, who said earlier this month that tolls could provide most of Oregon's bridge-funding share, said the state has a "perfect storm opportunity" to secure federal funds. The bridge could cost an estimated $4.2 billion.

Federal lawmakers will study a new highway funding bill in the next six to 12 months. If Democrats retain control of the House of Representatives, Oregon representatives Earl Blumenauer and Peter DeFazio will continue to hold key positions on, respectively, the house Ways and Means and Transportation committees.

"It's the perfect time for us to look at our transportation infrastructure," Metsger said.