February 20, 2004
Douglas B. MacDonald
Washington State Department of Transportation
PO Box 47300
Olympia WA 98504-7300
Dear Secretary MacDonald:
Last year, the legislature provided funding to evaluate
alternatives for an upgrade of Interstate 90 just east of Snoqualmie Pass. We understand WSDOT is
now preparing a draft environmental impact statement for the I-90 Hyak to Easton
project, due to be released this summer. This letter outlines some of our
initial perspectives on this important project.
We appreciate that WSDOT is evaluating how best to solve a variety of problems
over the 15-mile stretch of highway. The projected daily volume of passenger and
freight traffic over Snoqualmie Pass leaves no doubt that upgrading this segment
of the freeway is required to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
Washington cannot afford to allow the toll that inaction would take on our state
economy in the form of increasing delays due to congestion, accidents, avalanche
control, and slides. This is especially important for the economy of Kittitas
County.
We are also encouraged to see that WSDOT is addressing the needs of wildlife to
safely move from one side of I-90 to the other, an issue of importance for both
animals and motorists. The project area lies within a zone of historical
wildlife corridors disrupted by the original construction of I-90.
Re-establishing connections is essential for the long-term viability of numerous
species, as has been recognized by state and federal agencies alike through
their management plans. Our state’s citizens have recognized the need too,
joining with public agencies over the last four years in investing tens of
millions of dollars to improve conditions for wildlife in the project area, as
well as preserving public access to unparalleled recreational opportunities.
We understand that there are several locations where careful design could
dramatically improve wildlife passage. This will greatly reduce the risk of
vehicles colliding with animals, which can end in tragedy for both. Good
wildlife passage will also provide wildlife and land managers greater
flexibility throughout the Cascades than if I-90 remains a barrier.
The I-90 Hyak to Easton project has the potential to garner support from a wide
array of interests, which would improve chances for early implementation. A
successful project proposal will reflect the need to provide high levels of
safety for both people and wildlife and can be a national model for how to do it
right. We look forward to WSDOT’s proposal to address these complementary needs.
Sincerely,
Representative Ed Murray, Chair
Transportation Committee
Representative Phil Rockefeller, Vice Chair
Transportation Committee
Representative Bill Hinkle
Representative Janea Holmquist
