sure that they understand where the project is and how their voices can help shape the project.” By focusing on things like urban design as well as community and contractor outreach, Johnson says the goal is to let the community know that their voices are heard and reflected in the IBR program’s designs. To engage the community in these processes, the IBR program has shown the community visualizations meant to increase the understanding for what they were proposing and what impacts it would have on the community. Johnson believes this level of conversation allows people to get a better understanding of what the project will feel like in their community. Another major area of focus for the IBR program is its sustainability and larger impact on the climate. With an average of 7-10 hours of congestion during the morning and evening commutes, vehicles spent an outsized amount of time with their engines running and not moving, which significantly increases the amount of greenhouse gasses released into the region’s air and atmosphere. To assess and improve the project from a sustainability perspective, the IBR program employs a Principal Climate Officer. While the vision for a better future for this vital piece of infrastructure is taking shape through discussions about climate and community impact, the IBR program has been working to secure additional funding for the project. According to Johnson, the first steps to completing the IBR project was securing funding and tolling rights from both Washington and Oregon, which was done earlier this year. Recently, Washington State passed legislation giving the project $1 billion in 2022, with Oregon doing the same in June of this year. Johnson says that an additional $1.3 billion is projected in the program’s financial plan. While both legislatures have authorized tolling, the details of a formal plan have not been developed. Johnson says the project is around 57 percent of the way towards their goal, and the remaining piece of the funding puzzle is to work with federal partners. Johnson is confident that the project will be able to secure federal funding through a number of infrastructure grants that are coming out this year. The program recently submitted its application to the FHWA for a $600 million mega grant, and will submit an application later this Fall for a $1 billion Bridge Investment Program grant. The IBR program also plans to seek up to $1.2 billion from the FTA for a Capital Improvement Grant that will pay for transit investments. This confidence stems in large part from the unique nature of the IBR project, which covers several areas of infrastructure and transportation including high capacity transit, freight considerations, and vehicles as well as bicycle and pedestrian traffic. As the IBR program continues to secure federal funding, the project moves closer and closer to its ultimate completion, which will significantly improve mobility in the region. Project construction is slated to begin in 2025.
LUKE CAROTHERS is the Editor of Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine. If you want us to cover your project or feature an article, he can be reached at lcarothers@zweiggroup.com.
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csengineermag.com
October 2023
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