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CRC Financing Risks
Economist Joe Cortright has prepared a memo to local leaders on the financial risks (PDF, 51K) of the Columbia River Crossing project. Beyond fundamental questions like where the local match is going to come from, the project may require an unprecedented amount of debt. But perhaps scariest is the constraints that may be created by…
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Fregonese on Transportation
John Fregonese, one the nation’s premier regional planners, spoke last night at the Portland Spaces/City Club “Bright Lights” series. Of course, transportation was a frequent topic. Some of John’s thoughts: On transit in our region: buses are being neglected. He’d much rather forgo MAX on Barbur and Powell and provide much better bus service throughout…
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Transit and Fuel Prices
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich has an interesting essay on the reaction of transit systems to higher fuel prices. There seem to be three potential responses: Raise fares to cover increases in fuel costs (the TriMet response) Cut service to control costs (does it get any stupider than this?) Recognize a market opportunity and expand…
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Metro Backs Replacement I-5 Bridge, Adds Significant Conditions
I testified early and then had to leave the hearing, but you can read the Oregonian coverage here. It appears that the compromise constructed by President David Bragdon held. It would require significant independent analysis (yeah!) and change the governance structure to provide much more local control.