Local Leaders Seek Louder Voice in Planning of Bridge to Portland

"A letter sent Tuesday to Kulongoski and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire shows rare unity among Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt, who have themselves for months been at odds about whether the $4 billion project should include toll charges.

The letter representing the major political constituencies affected by the project makes it clear that, even after more than four years of planning at a cost of more than $1 million a month, the Columbia River Crossing project is stalled for lack of political support.

'I want to see this project move forward, but in its current form, it does not have the support it needs,' Mayor Sam Adams said in a statement."

Local leaders are calling for a stronger role in the planning process, which they feel has been steamrolled by Washington State officials.