Families worried they’ll lose homes due to Oregon-Washington I-5 bridge replacement
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As plans move forward for replacing the Interstate 5 bridge that connects Washington and Oregon, some residents are worried they’ll be forced to give up their homes to make way for construction.
Studies show the I-5 bridge won’t survive an earthquake. But the cost of replacing it goes beyond the $6 billion price tag, including a proposed toll.
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KOIN 6 News spoke with Vancouver families who are facing the potential of having their homes sold or taken, according to the most recent impact statement.
For many, this has been looming for years. Still, several claimed they weren’t notified and one man said he doesn’t want to sell and has nowhere else to go.
Marine Veteran Aaron Walters said he’s lived at his home off I Street in Vancouver since 1989.
But despite raising four children there and building in ADA enhancements to help him get around, his home of 35 years is one of dozens at risk of being demolished to make way for the new I-5 bridge replacement.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do, to be honest. I’m worried,” Aaron Walters said.
“My dad has to live in this house. It’s the only thing keeping him sheltered and safe,” added his son and caretaker, Ryan Walters.
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Aaron’s property is part of an estimated 47 acres of land on both sides of the Columbia River projected to be seized through sale or eminent domain.
“I don’t really want to leave. I can’t afford to leave. Being a disabled, Marine veteran, I don’t see where I have much choice of anywhere to go, being on a very limited income,” Aaron said.
According to a recent environmental impact study by the Interstate Bridge Replacement program, the project is estimated to displace 43 homes and 36 businesses and provide more than 600 jobs.
Renters whose homes are on the map of impacted properties are also worried about what happens if their landlords choose to sell, and kick them out.
“If I get kicked out here I can’t afford another place. I can’t afford an apartment downtown, they run thousands of dollars,” said Sara Whitney, a renter.
Meanwhile, homeowners elsewhere don’t want to be stuck trying to move.
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“Who wants to buy a house you could loose in a year or two,” said Marcus Davis, a homeowner.
The project leaders said nothing’s set in stone, and once plans are solidified they will notify residents and offer market value for properties and even relocation assistance.
Still, leaders of the program told KOIN 6 they also aren’t ruling out the use of eminent domain — or taking the land if needed — if a sale can’t be reached.
Aaron said if he has to take the loss for the greater Vancouver community, he wants to see light rail ruled out to “reflect the will of the voters.”
The project is accepting public comments through November 18.
Below is a statement that the Interstate Bridge Replacement program sent to KOIN 6 News:
“The IBR program will do everything feasible to avoid and minimize property impacts associated with its investments. No final decisions have been made about what will be built, and several steps remain before discussions around specific property impacts begin.
“The recently released Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement analyzed potential benefits and impacts of the major design elements of the proposed Modified Locally Preferred Alternative, including identifying potential property impacts. The Final SEIS will identify the anticipated program footprint and mitigations. It is anticipated that formal discussions about property acquisitions can take place after the program publishes its Final SEIS and receives a federal Record of Decision (ROD), both of which are anticipated in mid- to late-2025. The ROD is what provides federal approval to move the project into construction. Program efforts to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts associated with its investments will continue through final design and construction.
“The first construction project is anticipated to begin with the main river bridge and approaches, which is estimated to commence in late 2025 at the earliest. Since construction is expected to be sequenced, starting with the river crossing, formal conversations about property acquisitions would also be sequenced in conjunction with the construction timeline.
“If it is determined that all or a portion of a property is necessary for the program investments, property owners will be contacted well in advance of any construction activity, in accordance with federal requirements laid out in the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970. These requirements include receiving just compensation at fair market value determined by an appraisal and receiving relocation assistance and benefits. If the property owner and state cannot reach agreement on terms of a sale, there is a legal process to facilitate resolution. There are many tools available on federal transportation projects and the legal process is only needed when all other methods of reaching agreement are exhausted.”
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