Chris McGann, the P-I's Olympia correspondent, has a story in Monday's paper detailing how lawmakers will likely have to raise taxes yet again to pay for the 520 bridge rebuild.

That's despite having raised the gas tax twice since '03. Even if Puget Sound voters approve a $16 billion roads and transit package in November (and people aren't lining up to bet on the package's chances of passing) more money will still be needed for 520.

Here's what some lawmakers told McGann:

"The next time we reach into the taxpayers' pockets ... we have to fully fund 520," said Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, who is leading an effort to provide a complete finance plan for the 520 project.
"It has to be safety first, fix it first. Of all the projects on (the November tax package) list, 520 is simply unsafe and we need to replace it. We shouldn't be spreading billions of dollars throughout the region when we have not fully funded the bridge that could fall into the lake and kill many people."

Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, said it's unrealistic to think the Legislature will be able to go back to the voter again to raise taxes for 520.

"It's such a Herculean effort trying to get the votes," said Swecker, who lead the effort to build Republican support for the 9.5-cent-per gallon gas tax increase. "Back then, I came home and my wife asked how it was going. I told her 'I wish I was back in Vietnam' .... I'd never do it again."

Swecker said the Legislature authorized the regional transportation taxes with the understanding the Puget Sound Mega-projects would be funded.

"One assumption was the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the other assumption was the 520 bridge," he said. "People here are dismayed that those two issues are significantly outstanding. My assessment is that the vote in the fall will not pass unless the voter perception is that those two projects have been sufficiently funded and are on a track for going ahead," Swecker said.