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Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board February 25, 2003 The Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board (SPAB) supports expedited passage of House Bill 1557 and Senate Bill 5559 by the Washington State Legislature. These bills remove unresolved loopholes in the State's enabling legislation for municipal monorail authorities. Specifically they assure that vehicle owners within the jurisdiction of the Seattle Popular Monorail Authority (SPMA) cannot evade the voter-approved motor vehicle excise tax by registering in other cities, and clarify the guarantee of repayment of bonded debt. These straight-forward actions will provide bond issuers reassurance of the safety of their loans, and improvements in bond ratings will save Seattle taxpayers between $100 and $400 million dollars. Furthermore, these bills should be passed as written, without confusing or frivolous amendments which may unnecessarily hamper the SPMA's ability to deliver a monorail line on time and on budget. Seattle's citizens desperately need transportation alternatives, allowing for continued growth and mobility in our urban centers that automobiles have proven unable to provide. SPAB thanks you for your "yes" vote on HB 1557 and SB 5559. Sincerely,
Rob Ketcherside, |