Good news on the CRC: The Bridge/Loot rail scam rated most at risk by Governing.com

The 5 Biggest U.S. Infrastructure Projects at Risk

From Washington, D.C., to California, read about the five biggest projects in the country right now -- in jeopardy.

BY: Ryan Holeywell | April 2012

And The Five in Limbo

1. Columbia River Crossing

This joint Oregon-Washington project, which could cost up to $3.5 billion, would replace the existing Columbia River bridge that connects Portland to the suburb of Vancouver, Wash. Additionally, the project would rebuild a series of highway interchanges around the bridge, extend light rail across the river, improve the existing highway, and build pedestrian and bike paths. Officials say the effort will also improve safety, since there is an average of one collision per day in the project area, nearly double the rate on similar urban highways. It’s viewed as an important investment in the region’s economy, since the more than $40 billion of freight crossing the existing bridge each year is increasingly facing delays due to congestion.

The next 18 months will be critical. That’s when both states’ legislatures will hammer out many of the details of financing the project, which includes a tolling component. Officials hope to begin construction next year. But already, some are starting to balk at the cost. A report last year from the Oregon state treasurer suggested the project may have overestimated its revenue projections from tolling by as much as $598 million. As a response, the project team has put together a scenario that would postpone about $140 million worth of improvements to the Oregon interchanges. Meanwhile, the project relies on $1.25 billion in federal funds, which are by no means assured, given Congress’ focus on spending reductions. If that money doesn’t come through, it “may require rethinking of the overall project scope, timeline and financing plan,” according to the treasurer’s report.

Of course, this blurb was written before the utter incompetence and millions wasted on a bridge design about 1/4th too short came to light... as well as the Oregon Supreme Court decision that stated that light rail was the only and entire justification for this massive waste of money, but for our purposes, that can only help.