Herrera Beutler Asks Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Committee to Weigh in on Oregon’s Tolling Plans

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Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has sent a letter to the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Committee requesting it formally provide input on Oregon’s tolling plan for Interstates 5 and 205 near the state border.

She urged the RTC to discuss the plan at its upcoming committee meeting.

“It makes little sense to delay weighing in with Oregon until tolling cameras are mounted over every lane of I-5 and I-205 and our money is in Oregon’s treasury,” Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, said. “Southwest Washington residents are extremely concerned about Oregon’s tolling plan, and they’re carefully watching the actions — and inaction — of the individuals and groups who are supposed to be representing their interests. If RTC wishes to strengthen the transportation system in our region going forward — including on I-5 — it should win the trust of its stakeholders and stand up for them now.”



According to the letter, 74,000 Washington residents use the two roadways each day. Herrera Beutler also stated she had heard strong concerns from community members over Oregon’s tolling plans. 

“The individuals I hear from are not confined to any one area of our region, or political ideology; they are commuters who don’t have a choice in when or how often they commute to work to earn the money they need to pay their mortgages and buy groceries,” she said in the letter. “If Washington’s representative institutions like RTC stay silent while Oregon develops its tolling plan, please know that you risk eroding the trust of Southwest Washington residents and your subsequent ability to secure their support for future efforts on I-5 and throughout the corridor. Stepping forward to defend the interest of our community early in the process will go a long way toward strengthening that trust.”