Potential replacements for the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be scrutinized by a panel for its ability to provide the best mobility options for people of the region.

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips asked that the funding be provided in the 2009 King County Budget.

"For some time, I've asked how we as a region are going to pay for the increased transit service needed to make the viaduct replacement options work, and I haven't yet received a satisfactory answer," said Phillips, who represents the communities of Ballard, Magnolia, Interbay, Belltown, and Downtown. "Independent experts will be able to put aside the politics that scuttled early work on the viaduct replacement and raise the tough questions."

Phillips' budget provision calls for the King County Department of Transportation to allocate up to $250,000 for five transportation experts to conduct a thorough review of the environmental impact process for the viaduct replacement options. Their review will specifically examine the mobility impacts of each option and assess the county's ability to provide the transit options assumed in each option.

The panel will consist of five experts who have published in a national trade journal and have expertise in transit operations, commuter services and demand management, or transportation and non-motorized system planning. The experts will be recommended by the county auditor, appointed by the executive, and confirmed by the council.

The budget proviso also encourages the executive to seek funding from the state, the city of Seattle, and other stakeholders to support the costs of the panel. The executive is required to submit legislation to the County Council to create the expert review panel within 60 days after selection of the final viaduct alternatives. A decision narrowing the replacement options to three alternatives is due later this month.

For more information visit the King County Council’s Budget Web site at:
www.kingcounty.gov/council/budget.aspx.