REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE: MORE CARS AND HIGHWAYS, NOT ENOUGH PUBLIC TRANSIT

The current $11.6 billion regional transportation ballot proposal includes too much funding for highways and not enough for transportation choices! The bill includes about 71 percent for highways, many of which will worsen traffic, increase air pollution and contribute to sprawl. Even worse, the highways are funded in large part by a sales tax increase--the primary funding source for public transportation in Washington! The Executives' proposal includes some positive steps including extension of Link Light Rail to SeaTac and Northgate, new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes on SR-99, and I-405, passenger ferry service to Vashon Island, thousands of new park & ride spaces and a proposal to authorize tolls on SR520, I-405 and the Alaskan Way Viaduct.Unfortunately, these smart investments in transportation choices are overshadowed by the proposal to raise the sales tax to pay for highway expansion in rural areas. Groups like 1000 Friends of Washington and other transit-friendly organizations especially encourage people to contact the following King county council members to tell them to support a 50/50 balance between roads and transit "choices."

King County Council

Executive Ron Sims 206-296-4054 [email protected]

Council Members:

Carolyn Edmonds 206-296-1001 [email protected]

Cynthia Sullivan 206-296-1002 [email protected]

Larry Phillips 206-296-1004 [email protected]

Dwight Pelz 206-296-1005 [email protected]

Dow Constantine 206-296-1008 [email protected]

Larry Gossett 206-296-1010 [email protected]

Jane Hague 206-296-1011 [email protected]

Julia Patterson 206-296-1013 [email protected]

PeteVonReichbauer 206-296-1007 [email protected]

To view a list of the proposed projects in each county, visit: www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/050302att1.xls