The State Auditor’s Office released the results from a WPC-requested audit on the Columbia River Crossing project a few days ago.
The Washington State Department of Transportation spent $182 million on the project, including $17 million in questionable and excessive spending, according to the Auditor’s report. The Auditor's office also recommends several reform measures and ways to recoup a small portion of the excess money spent.
The Oregon-Washington megaproject was very controversial due to the proposed height, inclusion of a $1 billion light rail line, questionable spending, and other irregularities. The Washington state legislature cancelled funding for the project and Oregon’s legislature chose not to pay the full cost of the bridge.
