OOIDA Call to Action – Washington members
November 23, 2009

Attention: Washington truckers! A committee studying whether to build a new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River is considering truck tolls that would range from $4 to $24. We’re not kidding! You are encouraged to make your voice heard on the issue.

The Columbia River Crossing Tolling Study Committee meets Dec. 7 to discuss proposed tolling scenarios. The public has one more chance to influence the choice before the final report is complete.

The committee has developed six possible tolling scenarios from which a recommendation will emerge. Under most scenarios offered, toll rates would vary depending on time of day and traffic flow.

The committee is calculating tolls for heavy commercial vehicles at four times the rate for passenger vehicles, with extra charges for vehicles that do not have electronic tolling transponders.

Making your voice heard could influence the choice that is about to be made by officials. Plan NOW to attend the public meeting, send your comments via e-mail to feedback@columbiarivercrossing.org or call 866-396-2716.

The public meeting is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 7, at the following address:

Washington State Department of Transportation
S.W. Region, Room 102
11018 NE 51st Circle,
Vancouver, WA

The project Web site is www.columbiarivercrossing.org. Additional meeting materials are expected to be posted on the site Nov. 30.

The Tolling Study Committee intends to send its final report to the Washington and Oregon transportation commissions and state legislatures in January 2010.