WATCH: Unfunded and over budget: The $15 billion gamble on I-5 bridge project

The useful part

A mega transportation project that will cost taxpayers in Oregon and Washington billions of dollars is moving ahead toward final approval of the first phase. The project is progressing even as both states concede they don't have the funding to complete even the initial phase, with proponents arguing they must proceed no matter what, or risk losing federal funding. During a Thursday meeting of the bi-state committee, Ley asked Interim Project Administrator Carly Francis about the lack of funding to proceed.

How it works

• "You told us earlier that it was particularly important to our federal partners that we are fully funded.
• Is it possible to prioritize phase one so that we truly only proceed with that money that we already have?" he asked.
• Francis said that "core projects" of phase one are not funded but said what is funded will be a bridge people can dri...

Details worth keeping

A new span to replace the current Columbia River Bridge connecting Washington to Oregon has exploded in scope and cost in recent years, as planners have added light rail and design options have repeatedly been altered, and the cost estimates now exceed up to $15 billion. Representative John Ley of Vancouver is on the bi-state legislative committee for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project and is calling for a major reset as both Oregon and Washington lack the secure funding for the project, and consulting firms are now guaranteed a big payout. Yet, phase one is not fully funded," said Ley.