Oregon Public Broadcasting

The controversial project to replace the congested Interstate Bridge is getting more and more heated.  Portland's regional government, Metro, held a lively work session Tuesday to discuss  different approachs. Andrew Theen was there.

"Different" is the key word. Metro councilors are batting around  dueling resolutions.

Councilor Rex Burkholder is Metro's representative on the Columbia River Crossing Task Force.  His  resolution says  replacing the Interstate Bridge with a new bridge with light rail is the best option.

But Councilor Robert Liberty and two colleagues introduced another resolution calling for a "phased approach."  Liberty wants to put a toll on the existing bridge, and maybe build a new one later on.

Liberty says he's unhappy with the options  in the draft environmental impact statement.

Robert Liberty: "I would've had a very different set of studies.  I don't think the $25 million spent was necessarily wisely spent.  So it narrowed it down to this either or, instead of this menu that we could look at different projects, what they might deliver at what costs.  That's what I think we should be getting from our departments of transportation."

Liberty says with gas prices so high people have already started cutting their driving back -- and the congestion on the Interstate Bridge.

The Metro council will vote on the resolutions next Thursday.

Metro Council President David Bragdon says his biggest concerns are reducing  carbon dioxide emissions and providing mass transit options.

Metro and other local governments are represented on the 39 member Columbia River Crossing Task Force. That panel  will make its official recommendation next month.