Seattle Press on Line - Nicastro Boosts Monorail

Nicastro Boosts Monorail

Apr 18, 2002 -- On April 10, City Councilmember Judy Nicastro introduced a resolution creating a mechanism for releasing the $200 million in bonding capacity reserved by the people through Initiative 53 to the monorail project. A portion of this funding--$20 million--will be released to the new transit authority immediately upon of certification of a yes vote this November.

"This legislation will trigger the process by releasing $20 million the instant the voters say 'yes,'" Nicastro said. "Transportation is repeatedly the number one issue adversely impacting residents and business in Seattle. It has become debilitating. The public is screaming for relief from traffic congestion and the monorail offers a working alternative."

"How many times do we have to vote for the monorail before we build it? The public has already spoken twice," Nicastro said. In November 1997, Seattle voters approved Initiative 41, which created a public development authority, the Elevated Transportation Company (ETC), to build, maintain and operate a monorail. In November 2000, Seattle voters approved Initiative 53, which required the City to fund the ETC's preparation of a funding and construction plan for a monorail system. This plan will be brought back to voters for approval in November 2002.

"With this legislative boost, months of start-up process will be eliminated," Nicastro said. ETC's planning will be assisted by knowing now how much financial support it can expect from the City. In addition, the immediate release of public funds will expedite the ETC's timeline and get the monorail into operation sooner. Since 1996, Seattle voters have passed three initiatives in support of mass transportation.

"Our city can no longer afford delays. I will not allow the monorail to get mired in process that will cause delays. It takes leadership to ensure that voters expeditiously get what they have so loudly demanded," she added.

"I want to create a smooth and speedy ride for the monorail process so the monorail can provide a smooth and speedy ride for the people of Seattle," said Nicastro.

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