Issue Position: Moving Southwest Washington Forward

Issue Position

Safe roads, good rail, sound bridges and navigable rivers.

Southwest Washington is blessed with strong transportation assets in the form of basic infrastructure, from Interstate 5 to our rail system to the Columbia River. It is this basic public infrastructure for the transportation of goods and people that is critical for job growth in the private sector in our region. But this transportation infrastructure must be modernized, streamlined and strengthened to ensure our region remains competitive in this global economy.

- Columbia River Crossing -- Replace it, get our region moving again

Anyone who has ever crossed the Columbia River on Interstate 5 can tell you -- we need something new. The incredible congestion on the current crossing…

- takes a toll on families who wait for commuting parents to get home each night;

- increases the likelihood and occurrence of traffic accidents;

- and significantly impedes the movement of freight, raising the cost of doing business in southwest Washington.

This project will drive short term job growth during the years of construction of this several billion dollar project. More importantly, it will enhance long term job creation and economic growth in Clark County and southwest Washington by opening up this major choke point to more efficient mobility of goods and people.

- High Speed Rail -- Good for our Country, good for southwest Washington

The development of a high speed rail system in the United States will be a strong step forward for our country's economy, and southwest Washington stands to benefit greatly.

Moving passenger rail onto high speed rail will allow freight rail to move freely around our region, increasing the efficiency of transporting materials, products and goods throughout southwest Washington. This expanded capacity will reduce transportation costs for manufacturers and producers, allowing them to hire more people and grow their businesses.

- Keeping our Ports competitive

Upgrading our regional rail system would provide good paying jobs, and streamline our capacity to export and manage our imports. Upgrades like the West Vancouver Freight Access project and the Port of Kalama siding rail project are examples of ready-to-go projects that will create jobs right now, and generate economic growth for our district moving forward.

- Upgrade the Columbia River Jetties -- Keep our River moving

Significant repairs are still needed to upgrade the jetties at the mouth of the Columbia River. The jetties create a navigable path in and out of the Columbia River, allowing billions of dollars in economic activity to move into and through our region. The Army Corps of Engineers released a plan to make long lasting upgrades to the jetties. Now political will is necessary to ensure the improvements are carried out on time and under budget.

- Untangling our roads and rails

We have crumbling roads and congested routes that force train tracks, highways and pedestrian walk ways to share space -- this is not safe nor is it good for our local economy. Tackling tough projects across the district will create good paying jobs and facilitate continued economic expansion. Examples of sound investments that will lead to safer roads and economic expansion include.

- The SR-432/SR-433 Corridor highway and rail modernization which will eliminate congestion in Longview and Kelso caused by freight trucks and freight trains crossing paths to access the Port of Longview. Streamlining access to our Ports means more efficient access to export markets and local industry growth.

- State Route 14 up the Columbia River Gorge needs safety improvements throughout, so our rural communities can have safe access in and around communities and visitors can enjoy the beautiful Gorge Scenic Area.

Sound public investments like these can lead to shared economic growth for every community in the 3rd Congressional District.

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