New law would require experts to review tunnel

Rep. Geoff Simpson: 'let's protect the taxpayers'

February 16, 2009

OLYMPIA -- Before taxpayers are on the hook for $4 billion – or possibly three times more – independent experts should look at plans for a tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. That's the message behind a proposed law introduced by Rep. Geoff Simpson (D-Covington), a member of the House Transportation Committee.
"With the recession getting worse, I don't believe we should be buying the most expensive, least studied and riskiest of all the options," Simpson said. "This bill safeguards the taxpayers' money by having independent experts look at the tunnel scheme so that any decision made is based on facts, not politics."
Simpson's legislation (House Bill 2217) would require the Washington State Transportation Commission to appoint an independent team of experts to analyze and report on the soundness of the financing plan and feasibility of the proposed tunnel. The panel's findings would be due by September 2009.
Simpson questioned the decision-making process that led to the selection of the deep bore tunnel in January, considering it was not even considered an option in December, had been described as "irresponsible" by the Governor a year ago and was rejected by Seattle's citizens in an advisory vote.
"When more than $4 billion of taxpayers' money is at stake," Simpson said, "we should have more credible information than a proposal from a think-tank known for controversial views."
Simpson stressed the need to move forward with a replacement option for the viaduct but believes with so much taxpayer money at risk, the tunnel idea needs a closer look. Citing the Washington State Department of Transportation's project-estimating manual, Simpson said that at this level of only 1 percent design, it's typical to have the project ultimately cost as much as 200 percent more than current estimates.
"The more money we sink into a tunnel in Seattle," Simpson said, "the less we have available to fund needed projects in South King County, Pierce County and eastern Washington. Why should we buy a Cadillac when all we have is a Chevy budget?"