Voice of the Mid-Columbia | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Wash. |
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closeSaturday, Oct. 17, 2009
Pasco's stand on bridge study irks other officials
By John Trumbo, Herald staff writer
Pasco's reluctance to join a multi-agency effort to determine the best place to put another bridge over the Columbia River "is throwing a curve ball" into a proposal to pay for the bridge siting study.
Members of the Benton-Franklin County of Governments were not happy Friday that the Pasco City Council and City Manager Gary Crutchfield haven't freely signed on with other cities, ports and counties to sponsor the $250,000 study.
Half the cost would come from the state Department of Transportation, while Pasco, Kennewick and Richland each would put in $18,750. Other agencies, including Benton and Franklin counties and four port districts, would share the remaining costs.
Pasco's council is willing to pay a share, but with conditions that could limit the study's scope.
The Washington Legislature approved money this year for the study as requested by the council of governments. Up to 10 locations would be looked at, with specific recommendations and data on five of them.
"Pasco is throwing a curve ball. It's a way for them to get out if Gary Crutchfield doesn't like it," said Dave Rose, Richland City Council member.
The conditional yes from Pasco includes demands that Kennewick and Richland participate, that the greatest emphasis of the study be on relief of urban traffic congestion and that every participating government agency share the costs equally.
The equal sharing of costs is the sticking point.
As proposed, participating agencies are supposed to contribute from $18,750 to $3,100 each for the study, said Mark Kushner, transportation director for the council of governments.
Kushner said Benton County is offering $10,000 instead of the requested $12,500, and Walla Walla County officials said they wouldn't be contributing the requested $3,100. The ports of Kennewick, Benton and Pasco would provide $6,200 each and the Port of Walla Walla $3,100.
Council members mused for nearly an hour about what to do about Pasco's position.
The council had intended to vote to inform the state it wants to go ahead with the study, but Pasco's conditions stalled a vote.
Pasco Councilman Tom Larsen had no explanation for his city council's position.
"It's what Crutchfield wants. He runs the city and he runs the council," said Larsen, who was representing his city at the Friday council of governments meeting in West Richland.
The Herald couldn't reach Crutchfield at his office Friday afternoon for a comment. An employee said he was gone for the day.
"I'm tired of Pasco playing games. They are a major player," Rose said.
"If Pasco won't participate if there's a chance they won't get the option they want, then why have an objective third-party study?" said Franklin County Commissioner Brad Peck.
The council agreed to send several members to meet privately with Crutchfield and if needed with the Pasco council members to try to resolve the issue.
Kushner told the Herald later Friday that he and Benton County Commissioner Jim Beaver had talked with Crutchfield that afternoon, but nothing definite was achieved.
-- John Trumbo: 582-1529; jtrumbo@tricityherald.com
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