C-Tran delays light rail decision amid ongoing litigation

The C-Tran board of directors once again postponed a decision on the transit agency’s involvement in planning, cost analysis and negotiations for light rail on the planned Interstate 5 Bridge replacement.

During a July 8 meeting, board members decided to defer the conversation for the third time because of ongoing litigation.

In March, they tabled the conversation. In April, the C-Tran board postponed the vote. On July 8, the board decided to postpone action until Sept. 9 in hopes the litigation will be resolved by then.

Clark County Councilor Michelle Belkot sued the county over her removal from the C-Tran board in March.

In December, TriMet set its estimated annual cost of operating light rail over the I-5 replacement bridge at $20.2 million. Belkot balked at the cost. She cast the lone vote in favor of reverting to previous bylaw language that would have eliminated local taxpayer funding for light rail.

Positions at odds

Other county councilors suggested Belkot misinterpreted what the board was voting on. County Council Chair Sue Marshall said she believed Belkot’s vote should have reflected the entire council’s position, not her personal position. Belkot defended her right to vote separately from the council’s position.

On March 12, the Clark County Council voted 4-1 to remove Belkot from the C-Tran board and replace her with Councilor Wil Fuentes.

Belkot then filed a lawsuit in Skamania County Superior Court claiming that her removal from the board was unlawful and violated her civil rights and open meetings laws. Her case was moved to federal court.

Ridgefield resident Rob Anderson also sued to reverse the county council’s decision to remove Belkot from the C-Tran board.

Mia Ryder-Marks: 360-735-4547; [email protected]