Updated

Updated · KUOW News and Information · Jul 31

Washington's 3rd District Primary Pits Gluesenkamp Perez Against 2 Rivals Before Aug. 4 Deadline

Updated

Updated · KUOW News and Information · Jul 31

Washington's 3rd District Primary Pits Gluesenkamp Perez Against 2 Rivals Before Aug. 4 Deadline

Q: What does the bridge project still need before construction begins, and who pays if the final cost rises above current funding?

Before construction begins, the Interstate 5 bridge replacement still needs key permits, updated grant obligations and agreements, and the contractor procurement process to be completed. Federal environmental review is finished through the Amended Record of Decision, but officials have said they still must secure remaining state and federal permits, including water-quality and other regulatory approvals, then move through requests for qualifications and proposals before hiring a contractor, which is expected in 2027. Full construction is anticipated in 2028, depending on those approvals. If the final cost rises above the roughly $5.7 billion now identified for the funded phase, there is no clearly locked-in backstop in the materials provided. The current financing plan relies on a mix of federal grants, contributions from Washington and Oregon, and toll revenue. That means any overrun would likely have to be covered by some combination of additional federal aid, more money from the two states, more borrowing against tolls, scope changes, or phasing delays. Project documents and outside analyses both indicate that who ultimately pays the extra cost remains an unresolved question. In short, the bridge is cleared past environmental review but not yet fully permitted or contracted, and any cost increase above current funding would fall back on Washington, Oregon, federal sources, toll payers, or a reduced project scope unless new funding is secured.

2 articles · Updated · KUOW News and Information · Jul 31

Aug. 4 is the deadline for voters to return primary ballots in Washington's 3rd Congressional District, where incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces progressive challenger Brent Hennrich and Republican John Braun.
More than $50,000 has been raised by both Gluesenkamp Perez and Hennrich, while Braun — the state Senate minority leader backed by President Donald Trump — skipped a planned KUOW interview after initially agreeing.
Gluesenkamp Perez is running on her bipartisan record in a Trump-leaning swing district, pointing to votes for a DHS funding bill and a $1.15 trillion defense bill that she said would aid manufacturing and service members.
Hennrich, who ran against her in 2022 before endorsing her, now argues the district wants a "true Democrat" and is campaigning on universal healthcare, higher taxes on the rich and infrastructure spending including the I-5 bridge replacement.
The race covers seven counties and part of Thurston County and is one of the few remaining U.S. House swing districts, making the primary an early test before an expected close November contest.