KPLU Local News
(2009-09-29)
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The lower car deck of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, downtown Seattle.
AP Image.
"I felt like we should at least allow the mayoral candidates to debate the issue and there's no budgetary reason why we have to make this decision right now. We could easily make it in November." Mayoral candidate Mike McGinn has campaigned against the tunnel, saying he would 'stop it' if elected. Joe Mallahan supports the tunnel. Licata, who is up for re-election, says there's little chance of reversing direction on the idea.
"The deep-bore tunnel is a political reality. I don't see us, quite honestly, going somewhere else, because I'm not sure where we would go," Licata said on Tuesday.
Still, Licata says he's reassured that a final vote on the agreement won't be made by the council until the costs get further public review during the upcoming budget negotiations. Those start later this week. Review of the city's Transportation Department budget is scheduled for Friday morning.
The agreement with the state endorses the tunnel as the city's preferred option to replace the viaduct and the seawall that protects Seattle's central waterfront. It does not appropriate funds, but it does give a framework to costs, including the city's estimated portion of $930 million of the projected overall $4.2 billion project. The city's portion is for a new seawall, utility relocation, and a promenade along the waterfront. It also includes improvements to the Mercer Street corridor, and a First Avenue streetcar. The agreement does offer a timeline, stating drivers could be using it by 2015. Gary Davis, KPLU News, Seattle.
Seattle Times: State, City Viaduct Roles Detailed (Sept. 27, 2009) by Susan Gilmore
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