Hayden Island residents urge commissioners to factor equity into I‑5 tolling

Public commenters told the Bi‑State Tolling Subcommittee that the I‑5 tolling plan risks deep economic and social harm for Hayden Island residents and small businesses. Eric Ufer, introduced by staff as a public commenter, said the community and its employees would be “significantly impacted for 10 years” and urged commissioners to "put yourself in an equity standpoint" when weighing exemptions and administrative options.

Joshua Landry, who identified himself as a Hayden Island resident and community-group board member, said the planning process had not meaningfully engaged his neighborhood and argued the combined effects of tolling and nearby light-rail expansion threaten displacement. “I will lose my home because of the IVR,” Landry said, adding that local businesses could close if patrons stop coming because of tolls. He also cited an access risk after a recent tanker incident that briefly cut a key route.

The subcommittee did not make a formal decision on exemptions during public comment; staff and commissioners acknowledged that equity and geographic impacts fall within broader considerations for the low‑income discount and for how to define "overburdened communities." Commissioner Jeff Baker asked whether Hayden Island would meet the subcommittee’s definition of overburdened; staff said the term had not been narrowly defined and could include historical or projected vulnerability in deliberations.