| Press Release |
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| April 29, 2009 |
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Governor Kulongoski Calls for Refocus of the CRC to the Economy
Project is critical to Pacific Northwest economy & creates more than 20,000 jobs during construction
(Portland) - Today at a news conference at the Expo Center MAX Station, the final stop on the yellow line heading north, Governor Ted Kulongoski released the most updated job estimates associated with the construction of the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) and called for the focus to return to why this project is critical to the economic vitality of the Pacific Northwest.
“I am at the Expo Center station because this stop was never intended to be the end of the line – but an opportunity to build a greener and more sustainable regional transportation system,” Governor Ted Kulongoski said. “But the real reason I am here today is that in all of the recent talk about design and what the bridge will look like we have lost sight on what the Columbia River Crossing project is all about: the economy and jobs…lots of jobs.”
At the news conference, the Governor released the most recent job estimates associated with the life of the project that show creation of more than 25,000 jobs for the region – with the potential for more. Job creation will start with engineering and continue through construction, which is anticipated to begin in 2012 if planning stages progress on time.
“I am excited about what these infrastructure investments will do for our region. Enhancing this critical bridge and corridor will to keep our economy moving while creating and maintaining jobs in the area,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “Together we must construct a bridge that meets the region’s transportation and safety needs.”
The Project Sponsor’s Council is scheduled to meet next week to discuss performance measures, updates on legislative matters and financing options for the project – all actions that the Governor noted must be taken before its time for the design discussion.
“To accomplish these benchmarks we will need all partners – state, local and federal – at the table committed to a common goal for a bridge that is functional, multi-modal, safe, sustainable and cost effective for the taxpayers. A project for Oregon and Washington’s future,” the Governor continued. “But if you listen to the debate right now, all that you hear about is the final step of the project – the design, the aesthetics – when we have many more steps to take before we get there.”
The Governor closed with a final call for the focus to return to the economic value of the bridge and the need to work together to ensure the full economic potential of the Pacific Northwest can be reached.
“Our transportation system is the circulatory system of our economy and this corridor is the aorta. Right now it is clogged and as long as it is clogged, so will our economic potential,” continued the Governor. “Yes, I care about the aesthetics of the bridge and working together, an aesthetically pleasing compromise can be reached. But the aesthetics should not be driving this conversation. The economy should – and the thousands and thousands of family wage jobs for this region that will be created when we start construction of this new bridge.”
Contacts:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
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