Sound Transit chooses Rice for leader of outside review 




Wednesday, October 25, 2000



By CHRIS McGANN
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER 








Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice will head the independent 
committee to review Sound Transit's controversial Capitol Hill 
light-rail tunnel and -- agency officials hope -- restore public 
confidence in the project.



Sound Transit yesterday appointed Rice as chairman because 
of his "history of careful financial planning, analysis and public 
accountability."



Sane Transit, a group calling for an independent audit, was 
pleased that Rice will have broad discretion to choose review 
committee members and hire staff, keeping Sound Transit and 
the committee separate.



But Rice's longtime involvement with the light-rail project leaves 
many critics with lingering concerns about objectivity. From 1990 
to 1997, Rice was a board member in the rail-planning agencies 
that preceded Sound Transit and supported Sound Move -- the 
1996 ballot measure that authorized the rail project.



Rice took the criticism in stride. "There isn't one individual in the 
region who doesn't have a strong opinion about this issue," Rice 
said.



"I come with an open mind," Rice said.



He called transportation the underpinning of a lot of regional 
anxiety and frustration that can only be eased by "getting the facts 
on the table."



King County Councilwoman Maggi Fimia, who led the call for an 
outside audit, said a truly independent review panel needs to be 
appointed and staffed by people other than past or present 
Sound Transit board members.

-- (mark842@hotmail.com), October 25, 2000

Answers

Four years later, and the route isn't even firmed up yet. Sheesh!

And I'm sure we have an additional $40 million in the contingency fund to cover this.

Sound Transit Considers More Expensive Route Through Tukwila
 
November 5, 2000 

TUKWILA - It's possible that the proposed light rail service through 
Tukwila will cost taxpayers $40 million more. 

Sound Transit is now considering a new plan after some community 
opposition to the proposed route along Highway 99. 

Neighbors say trains in that area would cause traffic congestion, and 
present a hazard for children walking to and from school. 

The alternate route, which would cost more, would run along Highway 
599, I-5, and Highway 518. 

A public hearing is scheduled for November 15th. 
 

-- (mark842@hotmail.com), November 06, 2000.