Washington State News

January 12, 2009
2009 Washington Legislature under way

"We need to solve the big problems together," DeBolt said. "We are facing a huge budget crisis. We have ideas on our side of the aisle to help that out."

January 12, 2009
Lawmakers Cautious About Replacing Seattle Viaduct With Tunnel

The Governor, Seattle Mayor and King County Executive have reportedly agreed to support a deep-bored tunnel along Seattle’s waterfront.

Washington lawmakers seemed to be caught unaware by the deal. House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, a Democrat, says the state can’t afford to be on the hook if there are cost overruns during construction.

Lynn Kessler: “I don’t think they have a clue – personally – how much it’s going to cost and I don’t think we should sign up for something that has a money pit at the end of it. There should be some maximum we would be responsible for.”

January 12, 2009
Decision on replacing Seattle viaduct

The tunnel is the most-expensive option at more than $4 billion. The elevated and surface plans would cost more than $3 billion. The state has committed $2.8 billion for the project.

Green is the healing color. It represents our leaders working together. Red is the fire and brimstone color. It represents steps taken to control our huge budget crisis.