As the renewed effort to replace the Interstate 5 Bridge has gained momentum, one of the key sticking points that helped sink the previous replacement effort has reemerged.

Five years ago, the Columbia River Crossing, a proposed replacement bridge and freeway improvement project, met its demise in the Washington Senate after lawmakers failed to fund the state’s portion of the project. Among the deal breakers was the project’s cost, design, possibility of tolls and inclusion of light rail.

Just days after Oregon lawmakers agreed to resume talks on a new crossing, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee released details of his $54.4 billion proposed two-year budget that included $17.5 million to reopen a project office for an I-5 bridge replacement.

Proponents of replacing the bridge have stated that details of the project are yet to be determined. But Inslee’s budget included language directing project staff to assume the new bridge will include light rail and may be financed with tolls.

“Having that language allows the federal government to know we have a real project,” said Inslee in an interview with The Columbian on Friday. “It’s not just wishes and dreams.”