$15 Billion Interstate Bridge Faces Federal Lawsuit + Trump Admin Presses Ferguson Over Tax Credits

A $15 BILLION Washington-Oregon Interstate Bridge Replacement project faces a new federal lawsuit, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon presses Governor Bob Ferguson over federal school scholarship tax credits, and a major girls' sports rally is planned in Camas following a controversial high school cross-country protest. In today's Washington In Focus Daily (October 21, 2026), The Center Square examines three major developments involving Washington infrastructure spending, education funding, school choice, transgender athletes and state government accountability. $15 BILLION INTERSTATE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT FACES FEDERAL LAWSUIT The controversial Interstate Bridge Replacement project connecting Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, faces a federal lawsuit from Iron Partners LLC, a Columbia River industrial business challenging the project's proposed fixed-span bridge design. The lawsuit alleges that federal transportation agencies failed to adequately evaluate environmental impacts and navigation restrictions associated with the proposed 116-foot vertical clearance. The company argues that the new bridge could restrict industrial activity and marine navigation on the Columbia River. Washington State Representative John Ley discusses the lawsuit, the project's estimated $13 billion to $15 billion cost, proposed light rail between Portland and Vancouver, and approximately $141 million in mitigation payments negotiated with four upriver businesses. Could the federal lawsuit delay construction currently planned for 2028? What does the legal challenge mean for Washington taxpayers, Clark County businesses, Columbia River shipping and the future of the Interstate 5 bridge replacement? LINDA McMAHON PRESSES BOB FERGUSON OVER FEDERAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Spokane, Washington, alongside Congressman Michael Baumgartner to promote the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit and urge Governor Bob Ferguson to opt Washington into the program. The federal school scholarship tax credit would allow qualifying taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations. Scholarships could support private school tuition, tutoring, special education services and other qualifying educational expenses. According to figures discussed by the Washington Policy Center, participation could generate more than $700 million annually for scholarships in Washington. Democrats for Education Reform has offered a higher estimate exceeding $1.5 billion under its assumptions. Supporters argue the program could expand school choice, parental options and educational opportunities without redirecting existing public school funding. Opponents, including the Washington Education Association and State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, have raised concerns about the program's potential effects on public education. McMahon is urging Washington to participate as the federal scholarship program approaches its 2027 start. CAMAS GIRLS' SPORTS PROTEST SPARKS RALLY AND STATEWIDE DEBATE A girls' sports rally is scheduled in Camas, Washington, following a cross-country meet where several female athletes refused to compete in a race involving a transgender girl. The Camas Courage Rally is drawing attention from student athletes, Washington lawmakers and national media as the debate over transgender participation in girls' school sports continues. Tumwater High School athlete Francis Scott speaks out in support of the protesting runners and criticizes Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal over the state's approach to transgender athletes. Camas School District Superintendent Dr. John Anzalone explains that the district follows Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) eligibility policies governing transgender student athletes. Washington voters are also preparing to decide a ballot measure that would restrict transgender participation in girls' school sports, adding another dimension to the controversy ahead of the November 3 election. WATCH WASHINGTON IN FOCUS DAILY Subscribe to The Center Square for independent reporting on Washington state government, taxpayer spending, infrastructure projects, education policy, public safety, elections and government accountability. 📱 Get important Washington government and policy updates by text, about twice a week. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016. #WashingtonNews #InterstateBridgeReplacement #LindaMcMahon #CamasHighSchool #WashingtonPolitics