Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Councilmembers Licata and Rasmussen - Statement on Legislature Stimulus Plan
“Today we learned from the joint Transportation Committee press conference in Olympia that the Mayor knew in advance that $50 million needed to fully fund the Mercer Project would not be included in the proposed Federal stimulus package.
“The Council voted 6-3 yesterday to release the remainder of Mercer Project funds after the Executive provided a full funding plan, thus meeting the Council’s requirement from last year’s budget process. It appears this vote was taken without Councilmembers knowing that the state Transportation Chairs had already decided not to propose funding this project from the Federal stimulus funds. It raises the question whether the Council would have voted to proceed with this project if it had known that the city does not have the money to complete it.
“The Council should re-examine its options with regard to the Mercer Project, and consider spending limitations.”
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
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