Sunday, October 23, 2005

SR 99 Viaduct and SR 520 floating bridge ready to fail?

As reported here, and as I have mentioned before, both of these structures are in dire need of, not just repair but, replacement. According to state government sources, I-912 which would repeal the latest gas tax increase imposed by the Dem dominated legislature, would make repair or replacement of these vital roadways virtually impossible. But that isn't necessarily correct, as John Carlson points out in this op-ed piece.

I fully agree that both of these roadways do need to be replaced, as they are both disasters waiting to happen. However, I do not believe that an increase in the already 28 cent per gallon gas tax is the way to go to get these bridges replaced. Rather, I believe that better prioritization of the spending of funds already raised through the current 28 cent per gallon tax is the way to go.

Our legislators, and state agencies, have consistently refused to look at cutting costs first, before asking for more money for pet projects. I cannot tell you how many times I have driven past road construction in progress, and have seen one person working, while two or more others have been standing there "supervising" the one who is doing the work. As with most government agencies, I believe that there is a problem of being "top heavy" with mid-management level employees, "supervising" too few people who are actually doing the work. Labor costs being what they are, I'm sure that if the bloated employee rolls were cut, there could be a signifigant savings realized.

Private businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, and to cut costs. Why can't the government do the same? Yes, fix the 520 floating bridge and the Viaduct, but do it within the revenue already being generated!

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