In a unanimous vote, Seattle City Council members agreed to pass an ordinance that would restrict spending any funds in the 2009 Seattle Department of Transportation budget toward the Mercer Corridor Project but will still allow the project to go out for construction bid.

“Since 2004, I have argued that funds being considered for development of the Mercer Corridor should be used to address more pressing transportation needs,” said council member Nick Licata. “There still remains a difference of opinion on the city council and in the public about whether the $200 million dollar project is a good use of taxpayer dollars.”

However, Licata said that he does support the piece of Mercer legislation passed Monday, April 6.

“I thank my colleagues on the council for showing with their vote that they share my long-held belief that the project should not get a green light until a realistic funding plan is in place,” Licata said.

The project will create a two-way Mercer Street complete with vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian modifications, as well as a tree-lined median and on-street parking. The changes are meant to increase walkability and safety along a narrower Valley Street, improve freight access to the Ballard and Interbay neighborhoods, and keep traffic moving between SR-99 and Interstate-5.

“The project continues to move forward on schedule and will go out for construction bids in late June, with the goal of breaking ground in late fall," said Mayor Greg Nickels in an official statement. "Once bids are received, and before going to construction, an updated finance plan will be presented to the city council. ‘Fixing the ‘Mercer Mess’ once and for all continues to be a top priority
that is now within reach."

"While more than three-quarters of the total project funding has been secured, the Seattle Department of Transportation is actively pursuing funding options, including additional federal stimulus money," the mayor's statement continued. "The two-way Mercer Corridor project will link neighborhoods between I-5 and Elliott Avenue, serving as a vital east/west connection to the north entrance of the future Alaskan Way Viaduct deep bore tunnel.”

“Council member Jan Drago (chair of the transportation committee) wanted to reiterate that the city is still going out to seek funding, “ said Jody Vice, legislative assistant to Drago. “This project is continuing and is going to stay on track, we’ll continue to finalize construction documents and it’s going out to bid.”

Vice said the council will still move forward in all aspects of the project and the proviso will be a check point for the Department of Transportation to come back to the city council with funding for construction.