Residents speak up on early I-5 Bridge Replacement plans
VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) -- The I-5 Bridge Replacement Program has neighbors like Liz Schaub on edge. She and her husband have lived along the interstate for more than 30 years, raised their kids there. But she said she's received letters from the program that led her to believe officials were going to take her house.
"The letter just said, yeah, we're letting you know that we want to take your house," Schaub told KOIN 6 News. "It's just stupid and it irritates me."
Program administrator Greg Johnson said he understands her concerns, which are -- for now -- misplaced.
"We can't enter into the full negotiations for properties until we have what is called the 'Record of Decision,' and that will come next year," Johnson said. "But we have been reaching out to the public to let them know if they fall within our proposed footprint, how they can interact with us, how they can get more information, how they can make sure that their rights are being protected, all the way throughout this process."
A public hearing on the multi-billion dollar project was held Tuesday night in Vancouver, with different experts providing presentations on the progress they've made with their portion of the project. This hearing was part of the program's 60-day period for public comments.
The public comments will help the analysis and design options before the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is finalized, officials said.
"We're trying to give folks as much bandwidth to comment on this and make their voice heard in person," Johnson said.
Steven Arbuckle, who works near the interstate, was able to ask his questions to the experts -- and he came away satisfied.
"I think that's been very helpful, because then I can. I feel like they know what they're talking about, and it gives me a lot of confidence in the project," Arbuckle said.
These hearings are designed to find out exactly what concerns the members of the community.
The public hearings continue through November 18. Another one is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Portland Expo Center.