2004 Seattle Elections

General Election Voters' Guide

Initiative 83 - Monorail Easements/Right of Way

Ballot Title

THE CITY OF SEATTLE
INITIATIVE NO. 83
"Initiative Measure Number 83 concerns prohibiting use of City rights-of-way for any new monorail lines.

If enacted, the measure would prevent construction of any new monorail lines, such as the Green Line, by prohibiting the City from allowing any new monorail lines to cross or otherwise use City streets or sidewalks. Under this measure, any authorization for use of City rights-of-way for new monorail lines would be revoked."

Should this measure be enacted into law?

Yes………………………………
No……………………………….

City Attorney's Explanatory Statement

The law as it is now:

State law allows voters in certain cities to create a city transportation authority to build and operate a monorail system. The monorail system may use a city's rights-of-way (which include city streets and sidewalks) only with that city's consent.

In November 2002, Seattle voters created a city transportation authority (now known as the Seattle Monorail Project, or SMP) with the power to construct and operate a 14-mile monorail line from Ballard and West Seattle to Downtown (the Green Line), to collect a 1.4% motor vehicle excise tax (MVET), and to plan for additional monorail lines. The Green Line would be an elevated system using City rights-of-way in addition to other public and private property.

The City adopted an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with the SMP to let SMP use some of the City's rights-of-way for the Green Line. Another City ordinance prohibits SMP from starting to construct the Green Line in City rights-of-way until City officials approve permits and final construction plans.

The effect of the initiative if it becomes law:

I-83 would prohibit the City from allowing the use of City rights-of-way for any new monorail transit facilities, such as the Green Line.

I-83 would prevent construction of the Green Line by prohibiting the mayor from signing an agreement to let the SMP use City rights-of-way, and by barring City officials from approving permits and final construction plans for the Green Line within City rights-of-way. If the mayor had already signed such an agreement or a City official had already approved such a permit or plan, I-83 would revoke the agreement or approval and declare it null and void.

I-83 would not directly affect the SMP's power to collect a 1.4% MVET or to plan for additional monorail lines.

I-83 would not affect the existing monorail line between Seattle Center and Westlake Center.

As with any City initiative, the City Council could not amend or repeal I-83 for two years after its approval.