SEATTLE (AP) — When Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said he needed more time to consider a new $2 billion tunnel for Highway 99, City Council President Richard Conlin stepped in and signed a state Transportation Department document.
Signing the draft environmental impact statement keeps the project moving to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
The Seattle Times reports Conlin’s action angered the mayor, a tunnel opponent, who accused the state Transportation Department of conspiring with the council.
Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond says officials had been working toward Thursday’s deadline for a year to maintain progress on the project to reroute Highway 99 through Seattle. She says the state will continue to work with the city.
