Governor's statement

Statement from Gov. Christine Gregoire and legislative leaders:

We all understand that we need to move forward. No action is not an option. Mayor Nickels and Seattle City Council Transportation Chair Jan Drago believe that the City could place a ballot before the voters April 24th on a new hybrid tunnel design and finance plan.

Legislative leaders, transportation chairs and the governor rejected that timeline because it is beyond the scheduled Legislature adjournment. They are also concerned about the assumptions that have not yet been validated by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

This leaves us with a very difficult decision. There are two remaining options

• Move forward with an elevated viaduct replacement; or

• Reprogram funding to the 520 replacement project. We thank all parties for a very candid discussion.

Mayor's reaction

Statement from Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Councilwoman Jan Drago:

We are deeply disappointed with the announcement today by the governor and legislative leadership. After asking for a public vote, the leadership in Olympia is now saying they are not interested in the opinions of Seattle citizens. Instead, they are threatening to impose a new elevated freeway or, even worse, taking state funding away from the most dangerous section of highway in the state of Washington. No other city in the state has been treated in this manner. ...