VANCOUVER — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has announced that $42 million in federal transportation funding is headed to the Columbia River Crossing project. The funding is a significant step forward toward completing environmental reviews and starting final design on the project.

“Over the past several months, our local project partners have dedicated substantial time and effort working collaboratively to address unresolved issues” said Paula Hammond, Washington State secretary of transportation. “Senator Murray’s support is another clear signal that our local, state, and federal partners are speaking with one voice about the importance of getting this project done.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire added: “Receiving these federal funds today is a clear example of the strong partnership between the federal government and local communities to move forward on the Columbia River Crossing project,” said Gregoire. “Sen. Murray’s leadership on this is good news for a project that is critical to our state’s economy and transportation infrastructure. She understands how important this project is to creating jobs at a time when we need them the most.”

The Columbia River Crossing project is a long-term, comprehensive project to reduce congestion, enhance mobility and improve safety on I-5 between SR 500 in Vancouver and Columbia Boulevard in Portland. The project will replace the I-5 bridge, extend light rail to Vancouver, improve closely-spaced interchanges, and enhance the pedestrian and bicycle path between the two cities. The project will be funded by federal and state sources, as well as tolls.

For more information, please visit http://www.columbiarivercrossing.org.