If you care about the tunnel under construction
downtown, then chances are you probably already know that the unexpected find of lead and oil in
groundwater and stormwater has eaten through the project’s
contingency fund.
On balance it didn’t seem like the discovery caused too much alarm at the state Department of Transportation, but crews can’t afford any more surprises without driving up the overall price tag.
The way construction prices have gone up anyway, it was hard for me to believe that the $30.7 million estimate would, ahem, hold water.
Beyond that, word is U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks still has to find $8 million more to have all the funding. I’ve mentioned before that he told our editorial board if he has to find the money he will.
Have no fear, the king of pork will bring home the money. For him $8 Million is chump change.