Proposal to kill Bertha, Seattle tunnel project dead on arrival

A proposal in Olympia to kill the Seattle tunnel project is dead on arrival, after a key lawmaker declared the measure wouldn’t even get a hearing.

The measure (SB 5646), proposed by Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) and Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) would terminate the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project and use the rest of the money to research alternatives including shoring up the viaduct.

Related: WSDOT chief tells Dori it’s not time to bury Bertha

“I have no confidence in the Washington State Department of Transportation to bring the Bertha viaduct tunnel project to successful completion,” said Baumgartner. “At this point the most responsible thing to do is to shut it down and move on to other options. We can’t just continue to pour billions of dollars into a hole with no sign of success on the horizon.”

But the chairman of the Senate transportation committee said Tuesday the bill is a non-starter.

“While I understand my colleagues’ concerns regarding the Seattle tunnel project, a bill to shut down a project of this size is not realistic,” said Sen. Curtis King (R-Yakima)in a statement.

“I still believe at this point that it is in the best interests of the residents of Seattle and this state to move forward with this project. While it is important to maintain control over the costs, we are not at a point where burying Bertha and walking away pencils out. Plus, can you imagine the environmental implications that would have?” King said.

According to Baumgartner, recent testimony by WSDOT officials in a Senate hearing eroded any last bit of confidence he had in the project, especially testimony by Secretary Lynn Peterson regarding the pipe that damaged the drilling machine that has remained stalled since December, 2013.

“She (Peterson) gave no confidence they have put in place any measures to prevent further incidents,” he said.

The bill also criticizes the plan by contractor Seattle Tunnel Partners to dig a “rescue pit” to access Bertha, and concerns over settling of the viaduct and surrounding area caused by ground dewatering.

“It was a $2 billion mistake so far, but I fear this is going to become a $5 billion or $10 billion mistake going forward,” said Baumgartner. “We just don’t have that amount of money with all the transportation needs we have in the state.”

The bill states the “overwhelming circumstances” of the project have created anxiety and frustration with the people of Seattle, the City Council, the legislature and the people of the state.

But killing Bertha isn’t likely. Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle) tells The Stranger she doesn’t think the measure would pass the Senate.

“I glanced at the bill and found it interesting right away that the two sponsors, Senators Baumgartner and Ericksen, do not represent districts in Seattle or, for that fact, anywhere near Seattle,” Senator Kohl-Welles wrote in an e-mail to The Stranger. “I’m not sure how they would respond if Seattle legislators were to introduce legislation to stop large projects in their jurisdictions.”

The measure would be hard pressed to see the light of day in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, especially given the dominance of Seattle-area lawmakers.

“I share the concerns voiced by Governor Inslee and Senator King – the bill to halt the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement is a distraction from the very real and important work being done to improve our transportation system,” said House Transportation Chair Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island).

“With an intent section longer than the actionable provisions of the bill, it’s clear that this legislation is more about making headlines than making policy. It won’t help grow our economy or reduce gridlock, which means it doesn’t have my support.”

Transportation secretary Lynn Peterson issued the following statement Tuesday in regards to the proposal:

“From the Nisqually earthquake in 2001 until legislation was signed in 2009, more than 90 different options were studied to replace the aging, seismically vulnerable viaduct. Our focus and commitment now, as it was then, is on delivering this critical safety project to the people of Washington.”