Statement from Speaker Frank Chopp regarding Governor Gregoire’s Alaskan Way Viaduct announcement today:

December 18, 2006

“I want to thank Governor Gregoire for her work on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and 520 Bridge Replacement Report. I have not had a chance to read it yet, but I understand a key finding is that the tunnel financing is not feasible. The Governor and I agree on this point. We cannot afford a tunnel when other critical projects such as replacing the 520 bridge also need funding.”