March 5, 2007

OLYMPIA - Today a group of Seattle-area legislators requested legislation that would allow the state to spend the $2 billion set aside for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct on surface improvements that would maintain the same capacity for moving people and goods. Previous budgets required that that these funds could only be spent on replacement options that maintain or increase vehicle capacity, such as the elevated or 6-lane tunnel proposals.

In a letter to Rep. Judy Clibborn, Chair of the House Transportation Committee, requesting that similar language be placed in the next transportation budget, the Seattle legislators noted that:

“We feel that the voters of Seattle should have a voice in determining the design of its transportation system, the quality of its downtown environment, and the vitality of its waterfront.  We believe that a combination of surface and transit improvements can effectively replace the Viaduct as a means of providing the same capacity for moving people and goods about and through our city.  We offer this proposal as a means of moving forward in a cooperative basis, working with the Governor, our colleagues in the Legislature, and the City to reach a compromise solution.”

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For more information:

Rep. Jim McIntire (360) 786-7886

Downloadable photo: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/mcintire.jpg

Rep. Joe McDermott (360) 786-7952

Downloadable photo: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/mcdermott.jpg

Rep. Jamie Pedersen (360) 786-7826

Downloadable photo: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/pedersen.jpg

Rep. Eric Pettigrew (360) 786-7838

Downloadable photo: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/Pettigrew.jpg

Staff contacts:

Lilia P. Nieto, House Democratic Caucus Communications (360) 786-7375

Guy Bergstrom, House Democratic Caucus Communications (360) 786-7811

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov  or (360) 786-7208.