I am encouraged to see the Legislature is considering a $16 billion transportation package. I am disappointed most of this money will not address climate change. One billion dollars will go to the Interstate Bridge Replacement program. The $4 billion IBR Preferred Alternative plan does little to reduce climate change or help people who don’t own an automobile. Unfortunately, passenger rail service is not included in the current IBR scope of study. Battery-powered passenger rail cars are reducing dependence on fossil fuels in Germany. Passenger rail cars could be used for people to travel from Vancouver to Portland in less than 10 minutes. The IBR planned bridge will not reduce current commute time for bus, MAX or automobile. C-Tran’s express bus 105 takes 25 minutes to Portland now. The Cascades Train from Vancouver takes 15 minutes. A dedicated regional rail trip could take less than 10 minutes to Portland. I hope the transportation package will include reducing climate change by changing direction away from more freeways and more efficient rail transportation. This public money package is for 16 years of transportation spending. Climate change solutions cannot wait for another 16 years of fossil fuel emissions.

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