Bridging the Gap - Transportation Initiative

 

The City of Seattle has faced declining dedicated transportation funds over the past 15 years, resulting in deferred maintenance and mounting problems with the transportation system. Currently, one-third of Seattle 's bridges need major repair or replacement, and two-thirds of Seattle primary streets are past their design life. Furthermore, one-third of city sidewalks are in poor condition, and most of the city's 586 retaining walls, which were designed to last 40 years, are in significant decline. Because of court decisions, citizen initiatives, and the state's funding formula, dedicated transportation revenue fell by 66 percent from 1995 to 2006.

Bridging the Gap

In spring 2006, the Seattle Department of Transportation held public meetings around the city to gather citizen input on transportation priorities and possible revenue sources to fund transportation improvements. More than 500 people attended five public meetings and another 250 people provided comments online. Mayor Nickels also received advice from a 15-member Citizen Advisory Panel.

Jose Rizal Bridge Inspection 

As a result, in May 2006, the Mayor proposed "Bridging the Gap," a funding initiative to repair and improve Seattle 's streets, bike trails, sidewalks and bridges. Revenues were to be derived from a property tax levy, a commercial parking tax and a business transportation tax. The combination of sources was intended to ensure those who use the streets most also contribute to fixing them. The voters approved the property tax levy in November.

Together with business and parking taxes, the nine-year funding package will provide about $540 million for transportation needs throughout the city. The initiative will pay for delayed maintenance work on bridges and streets, as well as make a significant investment in improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The package will also fund the widening of the Spokane Street viaduct, a new overpass on South Lander Street, improvement of the Mercer corridor, and the transformation of King Street Station into a multi-modal transportation hub.