Thompson Metal Fab CEO John Rudi knows the height of the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) will have a major impact on his business. What remains to be seen is whether that impact will be manageable following mediation with CRC staff.
Since originally voicing concern with the height of the CRC in 2006, Thompson (TMF) – a Vancouver-based steel fabricator – has struggled to find common ground with the agencies sponsoring the bridge project. The company produces and ships large metal structures that require 90 to 160 feet of vertical height clearance under the I-5 Bridge to get down river. However, the new bridge design falls well short of that mark.
At odds over the height issue, TMF took legal action against the CRC earlier this summer. Since that time, Rudi said conversations between his company and CRC staff have improved dramatically.
“Communication has been a lot better and I think their goal in this process is to make sure we stay a viable company and that the benefit to the community in terms of jobs continues,” Rudi said.
For the full story, check out this Friday’s edition of the Vancouver Business Journal.