Oregon Public Broadcasting

Officials in the City of Vancouver, Washington, have given light rail opponents the go-ahead to mount a petition drive against extending light-rail from Portland to their city. As Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, that could throw a monkey wrench into plans for a new Columbia River bridge.

Under Vancouver's bylaws, the city has to vet petitions before they can be circulated for signatures. Officials aren't meant to judge the idea, but just to make sure the forms are filled in correctly. 

Chief sponsor, Larry Patella, says if passed, the petition would stop the city from taking any action related to light rail.

Larry Patella: "We were very concerned the city might block it. In fact, trying to get a petition on the ballot in the city of Vancouver is most difficult."

He only has to gather about 6,000 signatures to spark a citywide vote on light-rail.

But it's not clear it would make a difference. That's because Vancouver isn't paying for the Columbia River Crossing Project.

The feds are expected to pay and Vancouver’s C-Tran system to pick up maintenance costs.

But if the petition passes, the city might not be able to issue construction permits for perform other duties.