The Seattle Times appropriately juxtaposed two articles yesterday that showcase what I believe to be Washington State's misplaced priorities: State's health plan has to figure out how to drop 40,000 poor people and Alaskan Way Viaduct legislation is headed for the governor.
Essentially, Governor Gregoire is about to sign off on building a tunnel under Seattle to replace our aging highway known as the Viaduct at a projected cost of about $4.3 billion (for a project whose benefits may last 50 years). The simultaneous cut to the state health plan will save about $255 million (over three years).
Gregoire is signing off on a pro-cars initiative as we enter a post-oil (which may not translate to post-automobile) age while the Legislature cuts funding for our most vulnerable citizens.
Add to this the likelihood that the tunnel costs will likely run much higher and that alternative investments in public transportation probably make more sense for the region long term - when taken together, these are just completely wrongheaded policy decisions.
Seattle residents should be particularly offended by the Legislature's language saying that "no more than $400 million of the additional costs shall be financed with toll revenue. Any costs in excess of ($2.8 billion) shall be borne by property owners in the Seattle area who benefit from replacement of the existing viaduct with the deep-bore tunnel." I for one, don't see this project as a benefit to my community. Nor, do I find amusing the fact that the Legislature expects cost overruns, but approved the project anyway.
Comments