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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brionna Aho, Governor's Communications Director, [email protected], 360-628-3843
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Governor Ferguson statement on Coast Guard decision paving the way for I-5 bridge replacement
OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson offered the following statement regarding the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to allow a replacement bridge for Interstate 5 across the Columbia River to use a lower height than the current bridge. This decision allows Washington and Oregon to build a fixed span replacement bridge — a bridge that does not open and close, as the current bridge does.
“A fixed span bridge has overwhelming support from the maritime industry, businesses and community groups,” Governor Ferguson said. “This is the right decision for our economy, and for commuters who use this bridge every day. I appreciated meeting with Coast Guard leadership to present our case in person. I look forward to continuing our progress to replace this 108-year-old bridge.”
Governor Ferguson and his team traveled to Washington, D.C. last year to meet with U.S. Coast Guard leadership and answer questions about the project and resolve concerns about a lower bridge height. The Governor’s Office engaged directly to help reach agreements with impacted river users.
Reaching this point has been a team effort by many partners, especially our congressional delegation, including Sen. Patty Murray and Sen. Maria Cantwell.
More than 50 organizations and businesses wrote letters of support to the Coast Guard, including:
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