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The governors of Oregon and Washington today named an independent panel to review the Columbia River Crossing project.

The step was one the governors promised in response to a letter from local leaders sent earlier this year asking for more local involvement in project decisions. It wasn’t, however, the step those leaders had asked for.

Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt and Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart joined Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Metro President David Bragdon in asking the governors to reexamine the crossing project. The governors instead offered to create the review panel.

While the local leaders were willing to work with a new panel, Adams , the project needed other steps to get on track:

• Better analysis of how best to meet freight needs;
• Better understanding of the potential for sprawl;
• Working with an urban freeway consultant;
• Developing a transparent cost-benefit analysis.

The eight-member panel has been asked to assess the implementation plan for the crossing project, review its financial plan and review and evaluate post-construction performance measures.

The panel is made up of transportation experts based in Utah, Washington state, Washington D.C., California, Georgia, Illinois and Texas. Panel members’ biographies are on from the governor’s office.