Constantine: House transportation budget should keep promise to light-rail voters

March 31, 2009

Summary

State lawmakers must deliver I-90 Bridge funding or risk delaying rail extension to Eastside

Story

“As I stated in this morning’s Seattle Times, the legislature needs to revisit its decision to not include the promised $29 million in funding to help Sound Transit build light rail across the I-90 Bridge. The state Senate and House of Representatives’ versions of the transportation budget—which will be the subject of an important committee vote today—both omit this key funding.

“Voters in the three-county Sound Transit service area overwhelmingly approved funding in November for a light rail line between Seattle and the Eastside, in part based on the state’s funding pledge.

“Delays in the construction of bridge modifications could increase project costs and block the light rail line from being completed on time.

“The state needs to keep its promises to voters in the Puget Sound region and deliver this key funding immediately.

“As I told the Seattle Times: ‘Taxpayers own this structure, and the same taxpayers voted for light rail.’”