Rep. John Ley joined The Lars Larson Show to discuss new public records, rising costs, light rail concerns, and unanswered questions surrounding the Interstate Bridge Replacement project.
Rep. John Ley recently joined The Lars Larson Show to discuss the latest concerns surrounding the Interstate Bridge Replacement, also known as the IBR. Ley, who represents Washington’s 18th Legislative District, has continued to raise serious questions about the project’s escalating costs, lack of transparency, light rail component, and impact on taxpayers.
During the interview, Ley discussed newly surfaced public records showing that former IBR program administrator Greg Johnson was paid nearly $2 million over roughly five and a half years working on the project. Ley said the records raise fresh concerns about accountability, especially as the project continues to face funding problems and questions about whether it can be completed as proposed.
Ley also criticized the growing cost of the proposed light rail extension, pointing out that the transit portion has reportedly grown from an estimated $2 billion to about $3.5 billion for a 1.83-mile extension. According to Ley, that comes out to roughly $1.9 billion per mile. He called the cost “truly an outrage” and questioned why taxpayers should be forced to fund what he has repeatedly described as a “light rail project in search of a bridge.”
Another major concern discussed was the project’s proposed phasing. Ley warned that the first phase may include infrastructure for light rail without actually completing the full transit connection. He also raised concerns about the proposed Vancouver waterfront transit stop, which would sit high above the ground and require pedestrians to access it by stairs or elevators.
Ley and Larson also discussed broader questions about environmental review, transit ridership projections, federal standards, and whether the project can legally or financially move forward as currently planned. Ley said the program is “in chaos” and called for federal transportation officials to take a hard look at the project before more taxpayer money is spent.
For years, Ley has pushed for transportation solutions that reduce congestion, improve freight mobility, and serve the real needs of Southwest Washington families, commuters, and businesses. His position remains clear: taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and a transportation plan that actually works. His campaign site has previously published several updates and interviews focused on the IBR, tolling, light rail, and transportation funding concerns.
Learn more about John Ley:
Official legislative page: https://leg.wa.gov/legislators/member/john-ley
Campaign website: https://electjohnley.com/
