Although the Ballard News-Tribune has opposed the tunnel option for replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, we strongly believe it is the best choice. We are now down to two options to replace the aging and dangerous Viaduct - a new elevated highway or a cut-and-cover tunnel. Last month the City Council emphatically selected the tunnel option as well as opposed the elevated option. And the governor will announce her decision at the end of this month.

However, the issue is not just about replacing this single transportation infrastructure. It is really about what Seattle's urban environment will look like, what our economy will have to endure during construction, and what potential economic benefits the Puget Sound region will realize from this project in the long run.

We are committed to approaching every transportation infrastructure decision with the objective of reducing green house gas emissions to avoid the potentially devastating economic and environmental impacts related to global warming. Funding convenient and reliable alternatives to driving are essential, including transit and biking and walking facilities.

As such, we are vigorously opposed to construction of a new elevated freeway along the waterfront. To tear down the existing viaduct, which is a real blight, only to replace it with a higher, uglier, wider, and noisier elevated structure would permanently scar the face of one of the world's most beautiful cities. No other major city in our country is doing this. And it makes no sense to us at all.

During the 2006 legislative session, the governor and Legislature authorized the creation of an Expert Review Panel, consisting of highly regarded national and international leaders in transportation mega-project management. This reputable panel was tasked with reviewing viaduct replacement project plans and financing and providing an assessment of their viability. The Expert Review Panel report, issued in September, indicated that the funding plan for the tunnel is fundamentally sound and achievable. Furthermore, the report indicated that the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Seattle Department of Transportation have advanced the plans for viaduct replacement in terms of construction and mitigation well beyond what most cities have done at this point in the planning cycle of a transportation mega-project.

The report is clear that the plan proposed by the State and the City for the tunnel - from cost to construction to traffic mitigation - is ready for implementation. Furthermore, the Expert Review Panel reported that "...the basis of Washington State Department of Transportation's cost estimates is generally sound," and that "cost impacts due to inflation can be mitigated by accelerating project implementation with early action items."

In addition, in an Oct. 31follow-up letter to the governor, the Expert Review Panel stated that "We have reviewed Washington State Department of Transportation's new cost estimates, and we think they are sound." They added that "The Alaskan Way Viaduct's overall financial plan provides a reasonable framework for funding the core project for either the elevated or tunnel alternatives."

But in terms of economic development, only the tunnel provides an offsetting tax benefit to the citizens of Seattle and the State of Washington. A recent economic impact study found that, while there is a significant construction cost differential between a tunnel and an elevated highway, a tunnel would create new economic activity along the waterfront and tax revenue to help offset that differential. Among the benefits identified in the study are:

- $1 billion to $2 billion in new taxable property development.

- $200 million in one-time tax revenue from a local improvement district.

- $32 million to $60 million in increased ongoing annual tax revenue.

- $160 million to $325 million in new annual tourism spending.

For those who have concerns about the tunnel option, it is important to know that Washington State Department of Transportation has selected the tunnel as its preferred alternative, and is continuing to work on reducing costs and time for construction as well as mitigating impacts on traffic and businesses during viaduct closure during construction. And their work on resolving concerns of the important maritime and industrial industries in Ballard and Interbay is essential.

The tunnel option is supported by many organizations, including Futurewise, Transportation Choices Coalition, People for Puget Sound, AIA Seattle, Seattle Parks Foundation, Friends of Seattle, Allied Arts of Seattle, Cascade Bicycle Club, Belltown Neighborhood Association, Seattle Aquarium Society, Pioneer Square Community Association, Downtown Seattle Association, Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, and the Cascade Land Conservancy. It is also supported by half of the state legislators in Seattle and former Governors Gary Locke and Dan Evans, among others.

Viewing aerial photos of downtown Seattle and the viaduct, we are amazed that rebuilding an even larger structure that would rip through the heart of our city is even being considered.

We have the opportunity of a lifetime in replacing the viaduct with green and open space for families, workers and tourists to enjoy the waterfront of our beloved Puget Sound. We owe it to future generations to do the right thing.

Jeanne Kohl-Welles

State Senator

Larry Phillips

King County Councilmember

Davidya Kasperzyk

Architect

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