The Washington State Department of Transportation has ruled state funding for a "no build" option for replacement of the ailing Alaskan Way Viaduct would not be available.

"Funding now committed by the Legislature is not available for the 'no replacement option'," wrote Doug MacDonald, Secretary of Transportation, in a three-page letter to Seattle Councilmember David Della. MacDonald further questioned whether federal funds would be available for such a project because the "surface option" doesn't replace the existing Viaduct's capacity.

"We can't afford to mire the region in gridlock and turn I-5 into a big parking lot. We need real transportation solutions that don't put the taxpayers at risk. We also have to be cognizant that we have a working waterfront," said Della, who has publicly stated his support for rebuilding the deteriorating Viaduct. "We've waited for far too long to get moving. Its time to do something that meets our transportation needs and is fiscally responsible."

Over the past several weeks, some had been urging that the state replace the Viaduct, by not replacing it. Instead, they called for replacing the Viaduct with a surface road or highway that would be either four two or three lanes each way.

The Legislature has asked that the City Council close the debate on how to replace the Viaduct by either holding a series of public hearings and making a recommendation, or by going to the voters of Seattle with an advisory measure. A majority on City Council support seeking voter input.

A question that had emerged recently was whether or not the "no build" option should be included in an advisory ballot measure.

"Our choices are clear," said Della. "We've already been down the road of fleshing out all the feasible options. We need to ask the voters what they want to see based on the alternatives that have been deemed realistic - both in terms of cost and in terms of meeting our transportation needs."