Constantine praises work of legislators, activists in adding key funding to House budget

April 11, 2009

Summary

Transportation money will enable timely construction of light rail to Eastside

Story

“I am pleased that the State House of Representatives reversed an earlier committee decision and voted to fund the improvements needed to build light rail and new carpool lanes on the I-90 Bridge. The House has also eliminated a budget proviso that would delay completion of the East Link environmental impact statement and require new studies and negotiations.

“Last week, I told the Seattle Times, ‘The state needs to keep its promises to voters in the Puget Sound region and deliver this key funding immediately. Taxpayers own this structure, and the same taxpayers voted for light rail.’

“On Friday, the state House acted to keep East Link on schedule by fully funding the I-90 carpool lane project and requiring that the state finish negotiations with Sound Transit over the use of the bridge by the end of the year. This will immediately allocate $10.6 million in state funding for the I-90 carpool lane project—which expands carpool lane capacity on the bridge and provides for light rail to be added in the center roadway—keeping design efforts on schedule.

“We should all recognize the extraordinary efforts of progressive legislators, such as Rep. Geoff Simpson, who stood up to protect the will of the public, as well as the grassroots advocacy of pro-transit activists from around the Puget Sound region who called and e-mailed their legislators to support light rail. I am pleased that the legislature listened to the strong public concerns expressed last week about any delays to East Link.  The citizens of this region overwhelmingly said they wanted more light rail in last November’s election, including 60 percent of voters on the Eastside. Friday’s action appears to keep the expansion of light rail to the Eastside on track and on time.”