You may have heard that the I-5 Vancouver-Portland Bridge is being replaced. The northbound span opened in 1917. It’s big green southbound twin, in 1958. But this is not the first time there have been such plans. The off and on debate began almost twenty-five years ago. Historically, modernization has meant gentrification and an end to Back and Brown cohesive neighborhoods. This time, however, there is serious commitment, not only to build a modern new bridge, but to do it equitably.
“The bridge is a lifeline for our community,” said Principal Equity Officer on the project, Johnell Bell. He says the principals (Washington and Oregon Depts. of Transportation) are reaching out to diverse populations, “…to ensure that when the bridge is built, it is a true symbol and reflection of our collective community.” Program Administrator for the two-state project is Greg Johnson. “This is a very public process,” he said. “There are public meetings and public hearings to discuss all aspects of what will be moved forward for this bridge crossing.” As for the possibility that neighborhoods could be decimated: “We are taking these aspects into this federal process for a deeper examination of impacts and possible mitigation and avoidance of impacts as we move forward…There will be many opportunities for folks to have their voices heard in this process.”
Faison Construction owner and Tabor 100 Business Development Chair, James Faison, says, “We know the history, but right now we are in a great position to make change and move. Roll up your sleeves and let’s come up with a plan.” Toward that end, Faison, who has a thriving business and projects in both Washington and Oregon, will hold monthly sessions after the Tabor meetings to help members get ready to be a part of this multi-billion dollar project. “This is an overall effort that has to come from the community, from the contractors, from Tabor and the Northwest Minority Business Alliance, and Latino Build. Everybody at the table. It’s going to take months to get it moving in the right direction.” Those monthly meetings begin in January, 2024.
The project is three to five years away, so now is the time to make connections, meet with large contractors, and make sure they know who you are and what you can offer. Try to secure partnerships. Maybe get into an apprenticeship program. “It’s so far out, kids could finish classes in college and be ready. Get bonded, get your insurance in place, your financials, lines of credit; it’s about who knows you.”
Faison realizes promises have been made before. “It’s a crap shoot, but we have to go with our gut feeling. We can’t sit around and do nothing. Because nothing from nothing leaves nothing. The big contractors will take the work and bring in people from other states. We have to get in front of that and get them to buy in. Greg says there’s plenty for everybody. We have to work on the positive.”
More information is available on this project at interstatebridge.org.
