Oregon Public Broadcasting

Tuesday, an independent panel will continue to review work on the Columbia River Crossing.  That's the proposed new I-5 bridge between Oregon and Washington. April Baer reports.

The panel was appointed jointly by the Governors of the two states, in hopes of resolving some of the thorny issues that have prevented about a half-dozen involved parties from agreeing on cost and design.

Its mandate is broad – assessing the project, but not explicitly ruling on disputes between local leaders and the CRC's leadership.

The panel's chairman is former Utah Transportation Director Tom Warne.  He acknowledged pointed critiques of the group's role, but stands by its mandate, its credentials, and its work so far.

Tom Warne: "Those who attended the first two meetings I think have gotten a sense from the panel members and their questions in terms of their commitment to doing what's right here."

Metro Council President David Bragdon has questioned the panel's independence.

Warne says the panel is not prepared to say how the project is progressing yet. 

The Tuesday morning meeting will be followed by an evening community forum.

On the Web:  CRC Meeting information