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Statements from Rep. Doug Ericksen on governor’s
proposed 520 Bridge finance plan
House Republican transportation
leader: “Washington citizens deserve better, and we can do better”
On its lack of
vision:
“The governor is applying the same principles to 520 that she is using
on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and our state ferries – she makes a promise
that she cannot deliver. Her plan lacks vision, foresight and
leadership.
“There is no vision to find efficiencies to build the bridge in a more
cost-effective and timely manner. Her plan lacks foresight to see that
520 will need additional lanes in the future and the ability to
accommodate high-capacity transit. And her plan lacks leadership to do
what is needed to quickly fix the most dangerous and congested bridge in
our state. We can’t wait until 2018. Washington citizens deserve better,
and we can do better.”
On its costs:
“Price per foot, this may be the most expensive bridge in the country.
Our research has yet to find a more expensive bridge. It is twelve times
more costly than the infamous ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’ This is Governor
Gregoire’s ‘Plan to Nowhere’ – it’s a short-sighted promise without a
plan to fulfill it. And the governor’s fiscal analysts say that each
month we delay it will cost the state an additional ten million
dollars.”
On its impact to other roadways:
“Tolling just the 520 bridge is going to divert traffic to I-90 – a
roadway with capacity challenges already during peak travel times. Her
plan will also push people to our ferry system – which already has more
problems than any other facet of our transportation system. There
doesn’t seem to be any plan or mitigation for these obvious
consequences.”
On tolling:
“The governor’s plan suggests different toll scenarios, including a
$7.20 round-trip toll during peak periods from 2009-2018, and a $9.00
round-trip toll during peak periods when the bridge opens in 2018.
Despite these tolls, the project would still be 300 million dollars
short on funding. This is yet another Gregoire promise she cannot pay
for. But she will long be out of office when the final bill is due.”
On the culture of failure in Olympia:
“Olympia’s culture of failure is so entrenched that it is just accepted
without question that the state cannot build a new bridge for ten years.
Surely in this day and age it can be built sooner and with more economic
efficiency. It’s amazing we will have to wait until 2018 to address an
emergency.”
Deputy Republican Leader Doug
Ericksen, R-Ferndale, is ranking Republican on the House
Transportation Committee. He can be contacted at (360) 786-7980 or
ericksen.doug@leg.wa.gov.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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