Port Commission Says Yes to Transit/Roads Initiative

Commission endorses Prop. 1 on November ballot

The Seattle Port Commission today unanimously endorsed the Sound Transit/Regional Transportation Improvement District measure that will appear on the November general-election ballot in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Proposition 1 would invest in key transportation corridors, including State Routes 520, 509 and 167, and Interstate 405. It also would fund the next increment of transit projects for Sound Transit, including extending light rail south from Sea-Tac Airport to Tacoma and north from Seattle to Lynnwood.

"These transportation improvements are crucial for the economic health of our region," said Port Commission President John Creighton. "They provide access to Port facilities and are necessary corridors for the movement of freight, as well as commuters, and essential to the businesses associated with the Port."

Added Commission Vice President Lloyd Hara: "As political leaders in the Puget Sound region, the Port Commissioners recognize how essential transportation issues are for the Port to conduct its business and for the region to prosper. We are endorsing this proposal as part of that leadership role."

Prop. 1 would finance $17.8 billion in transportation improvements aimed at reducing congestion, improving safety and reliability and improving travel and commute times. If approved by voters, it will be financed though an increase of six tenths of one percent in the sale tax, and an increase in the vehicle license fees. The RTID proposal also contemplates tolling on a rebuilt SR 520.

Key freight projects funded by the package include an extension of SR 509 near Sea-Tac Airport, widening of the Spokane Street Viaduct, a new bridge in South Park and improvements to the Mercer Street Corridor.

The Port Commission has previously endorsed transportation measures in 1998 and 2002, and in 2005 opposed a measure to repeal the increase in the gas tax.