• The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) is a bi-state program to enhance multimodal access, safety and mobility on and to the Interstate 5 corridor in the Portland-Vancouver region.
• A recommendation for a Modified Locally Preferred Alternative (MLPA) was presented by the IBRP to the Program’s Executive Steering Group on May 5, 2022.
• The IBR Program Administrator presented the MLPA to City Council on June 6, 2022.
• The IBRP developed a set of Commitments that reflect actions to be completed during the the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and subsequent phases of the Program that follow approval of a MLPA.
• A Resolution in support of the MLPA and City of Vancouver Conditions of Approval (COAs) related to the MLPA have been drafted for Council’s consideration and were discussed during a June 27th workshop. There were no proposed changes to the Resolution. There were refinements to the proposed COAs and a final version is included as Exhibit 2 of Attachment A.

Goal 1: Ensure our built urban environment is one of the safest, most environmentally responsible and well maintained in the Pacific Northwest

Objective 1.1: Develop and maintain a safe, balanced and innovative transportation system that will meet the needs of future generations

Action 1.1.4: Actively participate in policy conversations regarding improvements to the I-5 Corridor

Goal 6: Facilitate the creation of neighborhoods where residents can walk or bike to essential amenities and services "20-minute neighborhoods"

Objective 9.1: Create infrastructure and policies that support job creation

In 2018 the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program was formally established. Since then, the IBRP has collaborated with partner agencies and the community to develop design options for consideration to enhance multimodal access, safety, and mobility on and to the Interstate 5 corridor in the Portland-Vancouver region. The design options were developed based on the Program’s defined Purpose and Need to address safety, seismic resiliency, congestion relief, and enhanced multimodal infrastructure. Designs considered work identified in the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project and modified that work accounting for changes since 2013, when that project closed out.

On May 5, 2022, the IBRP presented a recommended set of improvements, known as a Modified Locally Preferred Alternative (MLPA), to the Program’s Executive Steering Group (ESG). The ESG unanimously supported presenting the MLPA to partner agency Boards, Commissions, and Councils for discussion.

On June 6, 2022, Program Administrator Greg Johnson presented the recommended MLPA to Vancouver City Council. Mr. Johnson noted that the MLPA represents an approximately two-percent level of design and is the foundation for what to study in greater detail during a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) phase of the Program. The SEIS is required through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for any project receiving federal funding and requires extensive technical analysis and community engagement. Council members expressed general support for moving the MLPA forward into a SEIS phase.

In addition to components identified in the MLPA, the IBR Program has developed a set of Commitments that reflect actions to be completed during the SEIS and subsequent phases of the Program. The Commitments are based on feedback from partner agencies and community stakeholders as necessary actions for the Program to successfully meet its stated purpose, need, and desires of the community.

1. The IBRP implements goals identified in the City’s Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Plan, Transportation System Plan, and Vancouver City Center Vision.
2. A Resolution stating the City’s support for the IBR Program’s recommendation for a Modified Locally Preferred Alternative establishes a framework for further analysis and stakeholder engagement to achieve a design that addresses Council and community priorities and also meets the program’s defined Purpose and Need.
3. Support for a MLPA represents the City’s partnership with other regional Program agencies to seek additional funding to plan and construct all components of the Program.