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Campaign News:
Motorists, wildlife both win with I-90 expansion
Coalition Support
Quotes of Support
"I-90 is a formidable barrier to movement of wildlife.... I will
continue to work in Congress and with the State of Washington to ensure
this project is a safe and efficient highway and that it provides a high
level of connectivity for wildlife." -- Patty Murray, United States
Senator for Washington State
"Why I'm so excited about this
project is that it's an illustration of what happens when people who
can't talk to each other, environmentalists and roads people, talk to
each other." -- Fred Jarrett, 44th District Washington State
Representative
"If we expect viable populations
of wildlife in the Washington Cascades to persist, particularly the rare
carnivores, such as wolverine and lynx, we must modify I-90. The
interstate functions as a barrier to wildlife movement, effectively
cutting the state in half, preventing gene flow between local and
regional populations." -- Patricia A. Garvey-Darda, US Forest Service
biologist for Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest.
"The proposed wildlife bridges are
essential parts of the I-90 improvements east of the summit. This
project will provide safer passage for both wildlife and people. The
earliest planning efforts for this major freeway improvement recognized
the importance of this wildlife corridor, and it must be included in the
final project. That is how we do business in the State of Washington."
-- Sid Morrison, Former Secretary of Transportation for Washington State
(1993-2001), Former Congressman from eastern Washington (4th CD)
(1980-92), Former State Senator and Representative from Yakima Valley
(1967-80), Trustee, Central Washington University
"Major construction projects can
be bitterly contested. One of the most intriguing aspects of the I-90
expansion is that it is bringing together economic interests and
conservationists. There is the real possibility that a project can be
proposed that both sides can support. This alliance will certainly make
government sit up and take notice." -- Debbie Strand, Executive
Director, Economic Development Group of Kittitas County
"It is wonderful to have
organizations come with potential solutions. It allows us to react
differently as well." --Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
Member Rebecca Frances in response to Charlie Raines's presentation on
the coalition's efforts to work cooperatively in the planning of the
Interstate 90 Project on March 18, 2005
"Washington is positioned to
become the 'showcase' state for wildlife passages. The Snoqualmie Pass
project has great potential to be the premier, state of the art example
of wildlife crossings in North America." - Trisha White, Director of
Habitat and Highways Program at Defenders of Wildlife at its national
headquarters in Washington, DC.
Letters of Support
Legislators
Key members of the Washington State House of Representatives stress the
importance of high quality wildlife passage in a letter to Washington
State Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald.
Read their letter.
Congress
U.S. Senator Patty Murray sent a
letter in late August 2004 indicating her support for the Coalition's
efforts to promote wildlife connectivity. Read her letter.
Scientists
Many distinguished scientists are
urging high quality wildlife passage on I-90, and have expressed their
support in letters to Secretary MacDonald. Read their letters of support
sent in May 2004 and
July 2004.
Organizations
 The
Mountains to Sound Greenway
Trust Board recently expressed their support for our project.
The Greenway has been working for 15 years to protect the natural
features and recreation opportunities of the east-west corridor, which
dovetails with our north-south wildlife habitat corridor.
Read their
letter to Secretary MacDonald.
Contact
Us:
3414
1/2 Fremont Ave N
Seattle WA 98103
206.675.9747 ext 208
info@i90wildlifebridges.org
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Seattle City
Councilmember Jan Drago speaking her support for the project outside the
August WSDOT Public Comment Hearing in Seattle, WA.
Local Seattle band The Long Winters showing their support for the
coalition by wearing t-shirts with our logo.
Coalition supporter Colby Chester shows his support by holding up our
window decal and HSUS's "Give Wildlife a Break" sticker.
Local Washington band The Cloves show their support at their summer show
at The Crocodile Cafe by wearing t-shirts with our logo.
Send photos of
your support to our office! |
