Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Columbia River Crossing Task Force gave thumbs up last night to a new bridge with light rail between Portland and Vancouver.

A grueling five-hour meeting clarified a lot of issues the 39 member group wants state transportation officials to examine in a final environmental impact statement.

But many questions remain, including who holds the final say on the project.

Portland Mayor-elect Sam Adams tried unsuccessfully to create a Local Oversight Committee with decision-making powers over state transportation departments.

Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart supported Adams.

Steve Stuart: "I think that there is a significant difference between giving advice and having decision-making power.  THe comment was made about who would be the owner of this project, the owner of this project are the people that will be paying for it. That's who the owners are."

But that amendment didn't pass.  Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire advocate creating a council from the six regional sponsors that are already making their own recommendation on the Columbia River Crossing.

Under the governors' plan, the council would be strictly advisory, but state transportation officials insist the project will be responsive to all parties' concerns.