The release of the timeframe for the reopening of the West Seattle Bridge came as a relief to some on June 9 and upset many others who had been figuring on a July opening based on SDOT's "mid-year" assurances. The week of Sept 12 can't come soon enough for a peninsula that has endured both the pandemic and the loss of its major transportation artery at the same time. In fact West Seattle is the only community in the world with that dubious distinction.

But once it's completely restored, the business of paying for it takes the top place on the agenda.

SDOT plans to spend $166.9 million on bridge projects in 2022. $102 million of that is work on the West Seattle bridge. But that's not the full price tag and does not include the low bridge or the remediation efforts called Reconnect West Seattle that have attempted to improve and mitigate impacts on alternative routes and neighborhoods during the closure.

SDOT's Press Secretary Ethan Bergerson explained in part how the bridge work and related matters will be paid for.

"$175 million is the cost for everything related to the West Seattle Bridge project, including all the Reconnect West Seattle traffic, safety and access improvements throughout all of the West Seattle and Duwamish neighborhoods affected by the bridge closure.

• West Seattle High Bridge
  • $20 million: Phase 1 repairs (emergency stabilization)
  • $58 million: Phase 2 repairs (further strengthening)
  • $4 million: Bridge monitoring and testing
  • $10 million: Replacement planning
• $17 million - West Seattle Low Bridge Strengthening and control systems upgrades
• $52 million - Reconnect West Seattle investments in traffic, safety and access improvements throughout West Seattle and Duwamish neighborhoods affected by the bridge closure.
• $14 million - Program development

This project is already fully funded and we are not considering tolling the West Seattle Bridge. We have received $38 million in federal funding for the project, in addition to other local funding sources. Here is a summary of the federal funding:

• $7.5 million through the Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP)
• $6.9 million from the Surface Transportation Program (STP) allocated through the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC). 
• $11.3 million through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program.
• $12 million through Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) from a competitive statewide federal grant program for local bridges"

Bergerson further explained

"In addition to the $37.7 million in federal funds, the Seattle City Council has authorized full funding using a combination of City of Seattle funding sources and other local grants to pay for the balance of the project. The majority of the capital investment will be paid for using Limited Tax General Obligation (LTGO) bonds, which have already been issued by the City of Seattle and will be repaid over the next 20 years through Real Estate Excise Tax (REET). We’ve also received support from the Port of Seattle and King County."