Posted on 12/13/2004 7:41:34 AM PST by SmithL
State Senate President Don Perata is calling for a cease-fire on the controversial redesign of the Bay Bridge's new eastern span, saying a prolonged fight will just cause more delays.
His advice: Live with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "freeway on stilts" plan, but make the state pay for it.
"As far as the overall design goes, my feeling is not to fight it. That war is over. It will only mean more delays," said Perata, D-Oakland.
"Having said that, we are not about to lay down and play dead on how the bridge gets paid for," Perata said in response to the administration's plans for a buck toll hike on Bay Area bridges to pay for the stripped-down span.
"They just think of toll booths as cash registers," Perata said.
Instead of boosting tolls to $4, Perata wants the state to issue a bond that would pay for seismic work for roadways all over California.
"They don't need the extra money for the bridge until 2008, so we have time to put the issue before voters, either this year or next," Perata said.
Marin County Supervisor Steve Kinsey, who chairs the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, agreed with Perata's assessment.
"By throwing down the 'economy bridge,' the governor has made it much easier for the senator to insist on a greater share of state money," Kinsey said.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Never been to El Centro, but Yreka is a little slice of paradise in Northern CA - beautiful little city.
I don't care where they build it or what they use for design and materials, when the earth shakes, it will come down.
Hmmm...At this thread, it says Parata is D-Alameda. Is this guy double dipping?
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