Pick Greenest and Least Costly Bridge Option

The Columbia River Crossing Project could cost a whopping $6 billion to build, by far the region's most expensive transportation project being considered. In assessing the five project alternatives, we can take into account the economic and other advantages of driving less ("Less driving is more cash for Portland," Aug. 20), or we can simply take the most expensive route.

Unfortunately, many of those involved in the project have their sights set on the two "big build" alternatives, even though they come with steep costs. These are not just capital costs -- which are staggering by themselves -- but reducing air quality, fueling uncontrolled sprawl, harming community health and contributing to climate change, while draining our limited transportation dollars from other needs.

Many of these costs, and many of the potential real benefits of the "lighter build" alternatives, like those accrued to the local economy when we drive less, are being ignored. Instead, finding the least costly alternative -- the greenest, safest, fairest and most people-focused option -- should be our top priority.