Hague: Results of traffic study, Elway poll first step in “identifying solutions” for potential arena

May 24, 2012

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Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jane Hague released this statement after yesterday’s release by the Seattle Department of Transportation of the results of a study on the potential traffic impact of the proposed arena in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood:

“Yesterday’s release of the traffic study regarding the impacts of a new arena is another positive step moving us "down the road" towards evaluating the proposed Memorandum of Understanding.

“We have an opportunity to resolve the long-standing issue of inbound and outbound access for businesses, tourism, sports venues, the Port and especially residents of south downtown and West Seattle—an issue that has remained unsolved for three decades.

“This week's release of the The Elway Poll noted citizen support for the arena tempered with concern about taxpayers footing the bill.

“Part of the angst may be motivated by the long-term concern about once we have a team are we guaranteed the franchise will not abandon the taxpayer’s and owner’s investment.

“The commitment of the owners is to be lauded as this is the farthest a prospective partner has tapped private resources to bring a sports facility to our region.

“It is time for all of us as a region, county, city including citizens, business leaders and those in international trade to continue to work on identifying solutions and resolve what remains to be done for all who will share in and benefit from a great new sports venue.

“We are an innovative region that can get to ‘yes’ when warranted. This is our legacy and I call for us to continue to resolve these issues by bringing creative minds together, reaching out to voters, leaders and ‘customers’ providing the owners and our region the best chance of success.”