Council News Release

Councilmember Jan Drago
Councilmember Richard Conlin

COUNCILMEMBERS THANK SEATTLE FOR “BRIDGING THE GAP”
The voters approve a 9-year, $365 million levy for transportation needs throughout the city

SEATTLE – Councilmembers extend their thanks to the citizens of Seattle today for the victory of “Bridging the Gap,” the most comprehensive transportation levy ever passed by the city. Councilmember Jan Drago, chair of the Transportation Committee, said, “I want to thank Seattleites for recognizing the need to maintain and improve the transportation infrastructure of our city. This levy will allow us to begin work on delayed maintenance on our bridges and streets as well as make a significant investment in improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.” Councilmember Richard Conlin, chair of the Environment, Emergency Management, and Utilities Committee said, “The approval of this levy is a great community achievement. Seattleites considered this measure carefully and we are so grateful that they found it worthy of their support and tax dollars.”

Over the next 9 years, the plan will generate roughly $540 million for maintenance and enhancements. Approximately 65% of funding will be used for maintenance/repair of roads, bridges, sidewalks, and more. Nearly 25% of funding will be used for improvements for bikes, pedestrians and safety, and enhanced transit services. Around 10% of funding will be used for system enhancements, including Spokane St. viaduct, Lander St. overpass, Mercer corridor, and King St. station. The Neighborhood Street Fund will receive $1.5 million per year from the levy.

Councilmember Conlin said, “This levy will allow us to fund improvements all over the city that communities have asked for in their neighborhood plans. The money will build community while it improves transportation.” Councilmember Drago said, “Seattleites want value for their money and we will deliver it. We listened when the citizens said our original levy was too big and we reduced the size of the package. We are very appreciative that the voting public acknowledged the change in the package and were generous enough to support it.”

-30-

City Council