Oregon Public Broadcasting

Vancouver's transit authority, C-Tran, looks ready to give voters a say in the future of a new bridge over the Columbia.

Kristian Foden-Vencil / OPB

C-Tran doesn't have to come up with money to build the new bridge. But it is expected to pay the $2 to $3 million a year to operate an extension of the Portland area light rail into southwest Washington.

The money is meant to come from an increase in the Vancouver sales tax. That increase was to be bundled into a vote with several other local transit improvements.

But now C-Tran directors appear to be leaning toward putting light rail up to face its own vote.

Carley Francis of the Columbia River Crossing Project says they're aware of the issue.

Carley Francis: "If it were to be voted down, we'd have to kind of cross that bridge when we come to it and figure out what that means for how to fund the maintenance and operation in Washington."

Light rail has a not fared well in Clark County in the past. Voters rejected it 15 years ago. 

Another rejection is unlikely to stop the new bridge, but it would make paying for it more difficult.