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Anderson testifies against
an 'unacceptable' 520 proposal
State
Rep. Glenn Anderson,
R-Fall City, yesterday testified that Governor Christine Gregoire's
proposal to fund the State Route 520 Bridge is 'categorically
unacceptable'. The proposal, introduced as House Bill 3096, calls for
the creation of a committee to explore tolling of the 520 bridge from
2009 until completion in 2018.
Anderson testified that, "Tolling a sinking bridge is unacceptable -
voters will not buy off on that."
The 5th District lawmaker also questioned the validity of this project
being called a "priority" when it will not be completed until 2018.
"This proposal does not meet the standard of being a high priority,"
Anderson said.
Anderson also raised concern with the governor's proposed design
changes, stating it will cost more in the future to add pontoons for
additional lanes or high-capacity transit and did not provide taxpayers
with a value benefit.
"The issue is the long-term value for the taxpayers - Eastside, Westside
and across the state," he noted.
As an alternative to the governor's proposal, Anderson believes the
Legislature should consider using some money from the general fund to
help pay for the bridge within an acceptable timeframe.
"The public is expecting
the governor and the Legislature to make tough decisions and to put a
credible proposal forward this session. This proposal is not it.
Continuing to curry favor with politically-connected special interests
and placing individual commuters and the Puget Sound economy at risk is
just ridiculous. We should go into special session, if necessary, to
open up the state operating budget to find the money to get this bridge
built by 2012," added Anderson.
The State Route 520 Evergreen Point Bridge is a one-and-a-half mile,
42-year-old bridge crossing Lake Washington. The bridge is scheduled for
replacement due to its vulnerability to seismic activity and storm
events. In addition to the deteriorating physical condition, the bridge
lacks shoulders for disabled and emergency vehicles.
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For more information, contact:
Mike Deising, Public
Information Officer - (360) 786-7698
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