But what do lawmakers have to say about the Governor’s Viaduct proposal?

Here’s a sample of the statements we’ve received today from state lawmakers about Gov. Chris Gregoire’s deep-bore tunnel viaduct replacement plan.

(I’m posting after the jump so you can read in full. Enjoy!)

From House Speaker Frank Chopp:
Today’s announcement regarding the of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will now be considered along with the many other budget requests submitted to the Legislature, which is responsible for making the final decision regarding the state’s project.

I still have some homework to do on this proposal.

My main concerns at this point are:
• A tunnel is the most expensive option, particularly since this proposal is significantly longer than the previous tunnel options. There is a real possibility for cost overruns. This plan already requires at least $1.8 billion in additional taxes from Seattle and King County residents. Will they also be on the hook for the overruns? (Boston’s “Big Dig” was estimated to cost $4 billion – it ended up costing many billions more.)
• Seattle voters rejected a similar tunnel option by 70% — is this option going to be more acceptable to the people?
• Will this option meet the needs of people north and south of Seattle who rely on this corridor to get to work and to move their products?

I’m sure these and other concerns will be discussed as the Legislature considers this recommendation. I look forward to the discussion.

From Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley:

… Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, issued this statement in response to today’s announcement that an agreement has finally been reached to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a deep bore tunnel, an idea she introduced in 2007 in her Vision 21 infrastructure revitalization plan.

“When I first proposed replacing the viaduct with a deep bore tunnel, I argued it would solve one huge problem: The economic disruption caused by tearing down the viaduct in order to rebuild or replace it. I guess the recent snowstorm that gridlocked Seattle provided the dose of reality leaders needed. They got the message that Seattle has no tolerance for a non-functioning transportation system – even for a few days, never mind years.

“I hope our state, county and city leaders are finally willing to enter a 12-Step program for transportation planning. At least they have:
1. Admitted they have a problem, and
2. Sought help in considering a more realistic option for the viaduct: the deep bore tunnel.

“The next critical steps would be:
3. Evaluating the route – Building under Western Ave. would put the tunnel through unstable slopes and fill. It must go higher up the hill through solid ground.
4. Making sure we have enough capacity – My original tunnel would have delivered six lanes for $1.1 billion. Now the governor proposes four lanes for $2.8 billion, the state’s original all-in maximum for viaduct replacement. We need to know for sure just what this money covers and if the plan will offer enough capacity.
5. Making every dollar count – Until we know the details on the tunnel design, route and engineering, it’s impossible to forecast the total cost. When the governor offers $2.8 billion up front – without knowing the details – it sounds like a political agreement rather than a solid and cost-effective construction estimate.

“I’m hopeful, but these are important questions. The viaduct is not Washington’s only transportation need. With the real prospect of federal transportation dollars, we must plan carefully to meet the capacity needs of all Washington communities. We can ill-afford unconstrained spending on one project, when it will leave so many other necessary projects undone.

“The benefit of a stimulus package is not just to employ people to build things, but to build assets that further improve our economic competitiveness. Seattle is not the only community where people need to move goods and get to work. We must provide relief to all Washington communities.”

And from Sen. Dan Swecker, the senior Republican on the House Transportation Committee:
“I am pleased that the governor and Seattle city officials have come to a consensus on the best way to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. This is the first step in making sure the corridor is safe for all who use it.

“While this decision on the design was delayed past the initial deadline, I am encouraged that both the City of Seattle and King County have agreed to partially fund this project along with the state funding.

“I believe the deep bore tunnel is a good design, as did my colleague Sen. Cheryl Pflug when she introduced the solution two years ago. While her bill did not move forward, she and I recognize that the tunnel can be worked on with little to no interruption to traffic on the current structure. It will also allow businesses in the area to avoid dealing with years of traffic tie-ups and closures. In today’s economy, that’s more important than ever.

“When completed, I am hopeful the design will be an effective and most importantly a safe replacement to the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Now it is important for everyone to work together quickly to get the project started and finished, so we can move citizens off the dangerous elevated viaduct. I know this process will be extensive, but I also know the result will be well worth it.”

Legislators (or staff), got any more? Send them here: nikis@tvw.org.

More:

From Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown:

“Replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct is critical to the future of safe and efficient transportation in the Puget Sound.

“I’m concerned that the governor has not fully identified a way to close the $400 million gap between the $2.4 billion the state has committed and the $2.8 billion assumed in her plan.

“The Senate will support a funding package that includes the state’s current commitment of $2.4 billion, with additional funding from local financing and tolls.”

Tags: Viaduct