Hey CRC, Pay me! Pay me!

The comic stylings from those zanny folks at the Columbia River Crossing just dont stop. Here is the latest from their desk which might as well be accompanied by a cartoon strip:

For tall sailboats and yachts, the CRC proposes pulling them out of the water and towing them around the bridge. Another idea: acquiring the vessel and “taking it out of service so that the user no longer has a vessel that needs to transit under the new bridges.” - wweek

Also they want vessles to just take their mast down.

They have not yet suggested that boats float in from the other direction, possibly taking a cruise around Tierra del Fuego or the Cape of Good Hope, but I figure that suggestion will be forthcoming soon.

So now I am left wondering, how do I get a job at the Columbia River Crossing? I am sure I could do just as good a job as they have done ignoring advice, thumbing their nose at government officials and generally offending the local population. That plus I am also qualified at creating things that are absurdly dysfunctional.

Hire me! CRC! I have lots of experience and will need health care from all the cars you are planning on cramming down my throat.

President demands bridge... also wants pony

This article in the Willamette Week reveals a happy truth to the startling news that President Obama has given the Columbia River Crossing "Expedited Status"

'Obama is not the first president to offer such encouragement to the CRC', the Wweek noted, 'President Bush ordered the same expedited status in 2008. But neither Bush nor Obama offered anything more than encouragement. 

Permitting has not been the issue, as local, state and federal agencies have rubber-stamped the plan developed by the Washington and Oregon Departments of Transportation.

What is preventing construction is that no one wants to pay for it. And why should anyone want to pay to replace a working bridge that is rated better than the bridge, which a few miles south of the CRC as you leave Portland on I-5 (the Marquam Bridge)

But Congress—which is supposed to provide a third of the $3.5 billion cost—is not looking to send money to blue states these days; neither Washington or Oregon's Legislatures have approved the $450 million each state is supposed to provide; and the projected toll revenues that are to provide the final third have been found to be wildly inaccurate.

 Even looking at USA Today's coverage the press release stating support from the White House seemed tepid, even passive. (note the other projects listed request 25 million for a bridge in Maine and 89 million for railroads in Washington, as opposed to the 3500 million for the CRC. That's TWO extra zeros if you weren't paying attention.)

Finally our favorite economist, Joe Cortright offered some scathing words for the project costing taxpayers a million dollars each month:

"The sooner the CRC faces its day of reckoning, the sooner we can stop wasting money on a project that we don't need, can't afford, and doesn't solve the region's transportation problems," says Portland economist Joe Cortright, a longtime critic of the project.

 Thanks for setting the record straight!

Back That Quotable Ass Up

  "Simply put, it's Orwellian -- our tax dollars are being used to deliberately hide inconvenient facts from the public's eyes," said Evan Manvel who has worked against the CRC project for the Coalition for a Livable Future. "Taxpayers and legislators should be outraged."

This quote via an article in the Columbian that calls into question the role of the Oregon Dept Of Transportation (ODOT). Are they the states auto mechanic, or are they a car salesman?

Oh. They are both.

Now unless you have a close, trusting relationship your mechanic/salesman you probably want to have them be separate entities. If not, you would certainly raise an eyebrow if every time your car needed a repair their suggestion would be to scrap it and buy a hummer-limo.

Forget "picking the kids up from the pool" try putting a pool in your car!

But even Hummer-limos are cheap compared to the cost of the Columbia River Crossing. Estimates hover between 3-8 billion dollars, which might seem like a lot for a bridge, but then this is more than just a new bridge, its a massive freeway expansion project.

ODOT spokesman Don Hamilton said both the northbound span, built in 1917, and the southbound span, finished in 1958, were rated as functionally obsolete in their 2011 inspections.

 
Manvel called the definition of a 'functionally obsolete' bridge a "term of art."

"I just think their spin machine is in full cycle," Manvel said. "They're working to remove anything that undermines their case. If we can't trust the information they're putting out on their own web page, why would we trust them in their new reports?"

He pointed out that the states lack money for the maintenance they need to do now, let alone find more funding for large new projects like the CRC.

ODOT is in a difficult place.  On one hand this governmental body is advocating for taxpayers to pay for the largest, most expensive infrastructure the region has ever known, and on the other hand it is responsible for providing info about the status of the current infrastructure to be replaced. For those following the project, this sort of conflicting interest, along with the numerous inconsistencies (such as their models showing traffic levels increasing over the next 20 years when they have also reported that traffic has decreased over the past 20 years)  has caused a significant credibility gap in our regional planners.

Drilling Holes In Their Arguments

They claim they are not building anything yet, that this is just a test. However considering the "hell or high-water" stance the pro CRC folks have been using I wouldn't be surprised if the building equipment that has appeared on the Oregon banks of the Columbia river near the I-5 bridge just stuck around for a while, slowly getting us all used to its presence so that we wouldn't be at all alarmed when we hear:

"The bridge? Oh, we have already started building and can't stop. But don't worry we will have a lot of people you can trust making sure it is done right."

Curious thing, trust. It is something that is usually earned rather than simply given. Moreover when trust is broken it usually takes twice as much work to regain the lost trust.

This organization of bumbling bureaucrats has already spent $140 million of your tax dollars on the project. So far they have tried to deceive us by telling us that traffic is getting worse, when their own projections prove otherwise.  They say it will make traffic smoother, when their own projections say that at best drivers will save one minute.

Never mind that they have avoided answering questions pertaining to how they will protect, fish and wildlife the original source of currency in the region, how it will affect air quality due to moving the bottle neck closer to the city (because all 8-12 lanes become 4 at the Rose Quarter, just where their construction stops), or even something as simple and tangible as how they plan to pay for it.

But we are to trust them because even though they have lied to us in the past and continue to lie to us now, they are really telling the truth about the future when they promise they will stop lying to us.

We may be in an abusive relationship...

DTMFA

Get your Face(book) out there and do something.

Another citizen has joined the rising clamor of outspoken denouncement of the current Columbia River Crossing.

But more than just writing about it online (and hoping other people read, agree and share it with others) Daniel James Ronan has gone the next step and created a Facebook group!

Sure, new media is always despised. So if you hate using technology to share your opinions and learn new things you are not required to click on this link that will let you join the group.

Strange how challenging it can be to properly filter out the vast amount of crap that is available to read about anything and nothing. Seems like as soon as the mouse trap improves the mice get smarter too.



Photo Credit to Sarah Mirk of the Portland Mercury

Car-Free Couve

Vancouver Car Free day is this Friday!
September 4th from 5pm - 10pm,
On swanky Main St between 6th and 11th.






There is no telling what will happen in that space. It was only a couple months ago that a naked cyclist was arrested after being hit by a cop car.

Most Portland Bikers:
A) loose their frigging minds over Sunday Parkways and
B) do not happen upon car free streets in Vancouver often.

Therefore I invite you all to join me, revphil (the top score holding writing person on this whole blog) on a bike ride from Farragut Park (7700 N Vancouver Ave) to Car-Free Vancouver
We will meet at 4pm and ride shortly after 5pm.



My Amazing google skills demonstrate the northern Delta Park to I-5 bike path.

View Larger Map
There will probably not be a truck blocking the way tomorrow.



That this has not been more publicized (or even publicized at all?) is of significant concern. Internet searches for Vancouver Car Free Day 2009 (w/ a variety of non-BC qualifiers, and relevant dates and places) came up with no results for anything from Southwest Washington.

Is Car-Free Couve totally underground?

Is Greg Raisman the next Jonathan Maus? maybe not but we are thankful for his photo just the same.

CRC Flyer Competition

People sometimes feel a sense of bewilderment when it comes to engaging with such a massive opponet as the supporters of a 12-lane CRC.

"The people working to make this bridge are connected with power and influence. What can I do?"

Fear not citizen! For you are more powerful than you might have once perceived (unless you are overcome with delusions of grandeur, in which case just keep on reading and don't let me add to your existing feelings of power).

The simple act of giving a shit will overcome much. And if you care enough to have a conversation with someone then you can be influential. Pretend you dont have an opinion about the CRC... why not try asking those around you, "Hey do you know about the CRC? Can you tell me about it?"

EASY!

But for those who DO care and DO have an opinion and DO want to share it we have this challenge.

Make a flier!

Portland (and the whole of the NW really) is supposed to be overrun with creative types that have more time and education than drive to use them. So here is the call to action: create a flier (an image with text or something, you dont really need me to tell you what a flier is right?) you would be willing to hand out to a friend or neighbor or stranger. Then post a link to it in the comments.

Lets democratize the process by encouraging more voices!

Fliers made in the next 48 hours (the afternoon of Wednesday, July 15th) will be printed and available this Sunday 7/19 at a great opportunity to meet some people, the Northeast Portland Sunday Parkway

You can come and walk, jog, skate, bike, or any other form of non motorized travel for hours! With no fear of being hit by a large hunk of metal moving at 30 mph right behind you! Fun! (or at least not terrifying!)



I will spend most of my time playing and enjoying some fine Bike Polo on the east side of Alberta Park. Come by, watch a game, have a conversation, enjoy the festivities.

informative video series #3

In this final video in the series we learn some of the problems the CRC attempts to solve and some alternative solutions.

This video is a great way to get to learn about this project. Please share this media with your friends and neighbors. Lets not waste any more money!

Columbia River Crossing : Alternatives from Nick Falbo on Vimeo.

informative video series #2

In the last video we learned about the nature of I-5 and the various choke points and what Oregon and Washington governments are planning do to (i.e. spend BILLIONS of dollars)

In this second video we learn about the principle of induced demand. Don't worry, it is not that complicated.

Columbia River Crossing : Induced Demand from Nick Falbo on Vimeo.

informative video series

3 videos will be posted soon, this one talks about the nature of Interstate 5 as it moves though Portland Metro.

Columbia River Crossing : Introduction from Nick Falbo on Vimeo.

What would you do with Four Billion?

Brewhaha! Let's Make a Deal, Portland

Date: Thursday, May 7th

6:30pm - Networking and drinks

7:00pm - Program begins

Venue: Roots Organic Brewery, 1520 SE 7th Ave Portland

Join us for a night of dialogue, democracy and drinks to debate our region's transportation future.

At 4 billion dollars the Columbia River Crossing's fantastic price tag sends a signal that anything is possible in Portland.

1000 Friends is organizing this evening game show style event, hosted by 1000 Friends Executive Director Bob Stacey, in association with The Bus Project, Transportation for America's town halls, and The Portland Mercury. We'll hear some about transportation funding and projects, have some fun, and spend an imaginary $4 billion in "Transpo-bucks". Speakers include CLF's very own Policy Director, Mara Gross, Chris Smith of portlandtransport.com, Jonathan Maus of bikeportland.org, and Representative Nick Kahl.


Then, directly right after the Brewhaha program (around 8:00pm), CLF will be leading a Columbia River Crossing letter-writing session for those interested. We will be writing letters to our state legislators about Oregon's transportation priorities, including the need for a Climate Smart CRC that directly addresses our climate change goals, fiscal responsibility, and the livability of the communities around the 1-5 bridge corridor. The session is tentatively entitled, "Bigger is Not Better" or "Yo Leg, 12 Lanes is Wack."

Letter to teh Congresspeeps

I sent this to Sen. Margaret Carter and Rep. Chip Shields. It was easy! Just follow this link to find your congresspeople. It is generally considered a good idea to be respectful even if you are flaming mad.

Greetings _____

Im sure you are already familiar with the Columbia River Crossing. I would like to tell you that I think it is the most wasteful transportation rubbish heap i have ever seen.

Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio, chair of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, was quoted in the newspaper twice this week criticizing the Columbia River Crossing's size and cost.

Steve Duin wrote in the Oregonian about the grossly over-sized design, calls it an "impending disaster." In the article, he cites Congressman DeFazio as saying that the project needs to be scaled back in terms of both design and cost.

The Willamette Week also quoted DeFazio as stating that the project should think smaller, stating that he doesn't know "how that project moves forward and how they will fund it."

This oversized and overpriced project that will drain $4.2 billion from our resources while making a mockery of your reputation for environmental sustainability.

It is an embarrassment that we are still considering paying millions just to "study" this absurd monstrosity.

Lets focus on creating a climate smart alternative that is both fiscally responsible and works towards Oregon climate change goals...

thanks for your time,

YOUR NAME
ADDRESS

Last time I checked our Legislature was trying to decide if it was a good idea to spend 30 million each of the next 2 years to study the current design. That is to say, they wont even be considering any other designs. This whole project is so bassawckward it frequently causes mild hemorrhages in my brain. Ouch.

Maybe there is some good news out there?

Understanding the Complexity

A major source of discord between people debating the Columbia River Crossing issue is that they are frequently both right.

There are a number of issues with the current I-5 bridge crossing that given unlimited resources should be fixed (along with 100s of other projects).

Issues concerning the number of lanes, Hayden Island, S-turning tugboats, air quality, Vancouver sprawl, Light Rail expansion, pedestrian access, and massive salmon mosaics have peppered our local media for a couple years. All these voices may cause many concerned citizens to throw up their hands in frustration. If the "he said/she said" politicking is causing you come consternation fear not, you are not alone!

Similar to trying to please all the people all the time, a "one bridge solution" to all our traffic problems will make those problems worse. Instead lets be smart with our money.

Everyone in the region owes it to themselves to find out as much about the CRC as possible. The size and scope will have numerous effects so you deserve to know what you are paying for.