Much like the troll of folklore, the state of Oregon is pursuing a high-tech scheme called congestion pricing to tax every Washingtonian who has the temerity to cross the Columbia River. The tolls would not pay off debt on existing bridges or even be dedicated to any specific new bridge or highway expansion projects. The tolls would be intended to encourage use of alternatives to cars such as bicycles and mass transit. It also should be noted the congestion pricing or tolls would only be on I-5 and I-205, the connections to Clark County, and not on other overcrowded Portland area highways.
In short, this is nothing but a sneaky scheme to pick the pockets of Clark County businesses and residents. Clark County residents who work in Oregon would, in addition to paying Oregon income tax for little or no services in return, be paying $75-180 per month in tolls just to get to work. And businesses that have to cross the river could incur thousands in monthly tolls which in the end would, of course, be passed on to you the consumer.
Now you may be thinking that because I-5 and I-205 are a part of the Interstate Highway System, having been paid for and maintained almost exclusively by state and federal motor fuel taxes, they would remain free to use — but that is not necessarily the case. From all indications, there is a high likelihood that the Federal Department of Transportation is poised to approve Oregon’s tolling scheme.
So where is our congressional delegation on this matter? While Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has weighed in by speaking out in opposition to the Oregon rip-off and with proposed legislation that would stop or at least put the brakes on Oregon’s tolls, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell have taken no position in the matter.
I urge you to help me stop this rip-off by contacting Rep. Beutler and Senators Murray and Cantwell; let them know where you stand. Clark County residents already pay more than their fair share of Oregon taxes.
