Tacoma Narrows Bridge bill passes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Thursday, March 14, 2002

OLYMPIA -- The state Senate caved in to demands from the state House on Wednesday and approved a plan for building a second Tacoma Narrows Bridge that relies more on state money and less on tolls.

The Senate's vote breaks an impasse that has stalled the $800 million bridge for more than a year.

"It's been quite a trip for me," said Sen. Bob Oke, R-Port Orchard, who has pushed hard for the bridge that will help his constituents on the Kitsap Peninsula travel to the mainland. "This bridge belongs to the whole peninsula."

The difference between the House and Senate came down to $39 million. Senate Transportation Committee Chairwoman Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, wanted to use the $39 million in gas tax money for other transportation needs around the state and make up the difference by charging higher tolls on the bridge. House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, insisted on keeping the tolls low by using the $39 million for the bridge.

$39 million dispute

Haugen said she and others tried to find $39 million somewhere else to settle the dispute, but in this tight budget year it was impossible. She said the public-private partnership envisioned to build the second bridge has failed due to the Legislature's actions.

"Shame on us," she said before voting against the bill.

House Bill 2723 passed the Senate with 42-6, with one member absent. The bill goes now to Gov. Gary Locke, who is expected to sign it.

Although the construction of a second Narrows Bridge affects only a small number of people in the state, it has become a big issue in this Legislative session because of the interest House Speaker Chopp has taken in it. Chopp has made the Narrows Bridge a pet project of his; he fought and won to have it publicly rather than privately financed. As leader of the majority Democrats in the House, Chopp has successfully brought the rest of the Legislature around to his point of view on the bridge.

On the Web:

Bill information

On the Web:

- 2002 Supplemental Operating Budget Proposals
House Proposed (03/13/02)

- Washington State Legislature

- Washington State Treasurer

- Gov. Gary Locke

Sound Off at TheOlympian.com: How do we weather Washington state's budget crisis?

The Olympian Copyright 2002

back to Legislature 2002 index