Councilmember Jan Drago
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FUNDING FOR MERCER CORRIDOR
SEATTLE – The City Council voted today to lift remaining spending restrictions on the Mercer Corridor and allow construction to begin. The project will create a safer two-way Mercer Street complete with vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements, as well as a tree-lined median and on-street parking. It will increase walkability and safety along a narrower Valley Street, improve freight access to the Ballard and Interbay neighborhoods, and keep traffic moving between SR-99 and Interstate-5.
Councilmember Jan Drago, chair of the Transportation Committee, said, “The Mercer Mess has been studied and re-studied for over 40 years. This collaborative project improves safety on the corridor for all modes of travel, and I’m pleased we’re finally ready to give it a green light and get it built.”
Councilmember Tim Burgess said, “The Mercer Corridor Project is about more than congestion relief. It unites neighborhoods and creates a link between the lake, Seattle Center, and the central waterfront. It establishes new bicycle and pedestrian paths. And it will create a wonderful gateway to Lake Union Park.”
This project is a product of years of coordination and collaboration by the City and the Mercer Corridor Stakeholder group, which is comprised of representatives from freight, neighborhood, business, and pedestrian and bicycle communities. The resulting project represents a workable solution which addresses all types of accessibility.
“Not only does this project improve mobility for all modes in the corridor, but it will directly and indirectly create 6,500 jobs and help keep Seattle’s economy strong through this economic downturn,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell.
The design of the Mercer Corridor Project is complete, and with spending limits lifted, construction is scheduled to begin this summer. The City of Seattle will use a variety of funding sources including regional appropriations, private contributions, and a portion of Bridging the Gap funds allotted for major capital projects. In addition, with the project ready to begin within 180 days, it qualifies for Federal Economic Stimulus funding.
“This project will bring us needed jobs in tough times. It is exactly what the Obama administration is planning to spend stimulus money on, and to miss this opportunity for a ready-to-go project would be a shame,” said Councilmember Jean Godden.
“We have been seeking an answer to the Mercer Mess problem for four decades,” said Councilmember Richard McIver. “The $50 million we hope to receive through the Federal Stimulus Package will finally give us enough money to help finish this project and move on to other pressing challenges.”
Councilmember Jan Drago said, “Today’s council vote sends a crucial message to the state Legislature that our city is ready to build.”
Archives of previous meetings, news releases and copies of legislation are available on the Council’s website at www.seattle.gov/council
. Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21 and Webcast live at www.seattlechannel.org/viewer_live.asp
. Questions about Council news releases can be directed to Kimberly Reason, Council Communications, at 206-684-8159, or by e-mail at kimberly.reason@seattle.gov
.
-30-
City Council
|
