Mayor McGinn Vetoes Tunnel

Marking the second use of his mayoral veto powers, Mayor Mike McGinn has vetoed the City Council plan to move forward with the deep bore tunnel replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

McGinn has been an outspoken opponent of the tunnel, which is supported by the State of Washington and the City Council, citing cost overruns, traffic congestion and safety concerns. He issued this statement to the City Council this afternoon.

"After careful consideration, in order to protect Seattle from the unacceptable risks of this project, I hereby veto this ordinance," the mayor wrote.

It is widely speculated that the city council, who passed the legislation to begin preliminary design work by a 8-to-1 vote on February 7, will override his veto.

McGinn, who had threatened the veto recently, supports the surface option proposed by the People's Waterfront Coalition. A community meeting to help design the future waterfront is planned for this evening, and it is sure to be full of strong feelings after this new development in the tunnel drama.