2/3/10 Draft proposed by Port staff, subject to Commission review and approval 
SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION MOTION 
SUPPORTING PORT PARTICIPATION IN THE
ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT REPLACEMENT PROJECT
February 9, 2010
Statement in Support of Motion 
The Port of Seattle ("Port") supports the replacement of Alaskan Way Viaduct with the bored
tunnel alternative and related system improvements, as the design which affords essential transportation
capacity, significant environmental benefits, and minimizes construction-related disruption on the
waterfront.
The central waterfront section of the Viaduct is a critical north-south transportation facility of
regional, state and national significance, one of two limited access routes through Seattle's urban core
carrying more than 100,000 vehicles daily. The Viaduct corridor is crucial to the region's freight
mobility because it provides for 1.5 million freight trips annually by grade-separation of through traffic,
rail lines and industrial corridors near the Port's marine terminals, which support the movement of $30
billion in cargo value through the Port each year.
The Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Program ("AWVSRP") is committed to a
replacement for the Viaduct that will improve waterfront transportation access for users, including over
8 million annual ferry riders; ensure connectivity, including an oversized-vehicle corridor, between the
Ballard-Interbay and Duwamish industrial areas and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; provide
access to port cargo, fishing and cruise facilities; minimize construction disruption; and increase
opportunities for the public and freight to access the shoreline and waterfront. Complementary system
upgrades to the transportation system will be completed, including SR519, Spokane Street Widening,
Mercer Corridor from Interstate 5 to Elliott Avenue, East Marginal Way Overpass, Intelligent
Transportation Systems, seawall replacement (or rehabilitation), and transit enhancements.
The Port recognizes the economic importance of an efficient roadway network for the effective
movement of freight and goods locally, nationally and internationally. The Port's international trade,
aviation, economic development, tourism and passenger terminal activities support nearly 194,000 jobs in the
Puget Sound region and are vital to the continuing economic health of the region and the State. The
Duwamish and Interbay industrial areas in Seattle are served by the SR 99 corridor and constitute a
significant portion of Seattle's maritime and industrial sector which accounts for an estimated $28.5 billion
in annual revenue city-wide. Ultimately, such infrastructure investments will help us achieve growth in trade
and jobs and increase our region's competitiveness in global markets.
The Port has actively participated in the design and environmental reviews for the AWVSRP. The
Port, the State, the City of Seattle and King County will continue to work collaboratively toward the
successful completion of the AWVSR Program. Port staff will participate in review and approval of key
design elements to ensure adequate connection to freight and cruise facilities, as well as in planning for
construction mitigation and maintenance of traffic.

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2/3/10 Draft proposed by Port staff, subject to Commission review and approval 

Motion 
The SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION hereby directs and authorizes the Port's Chief Executive Officer to execute
a Memorandum of Agreement with the State of Washington in a form substantially as attached Exhibit A,
affirming Port participation of not to exceed $300 million in the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall
Replacement Program, if, and to the extent that, the Port of Seattle Commission authorizes funds for
these purposes. 














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