Paying the Tab

So apparently it's been decided that the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be replaced with a tunnel, scheduled for construction in 2011 and opening in 2015. Frankly, I've completely lost interest in the whole issue after years of debate, but am glad some sort of a decision has finally been made. However, I have to wonder how the new roadway will be paid for.

Ah yes... here comes the inevitable. According to a Seattle Times article, King County will attempt to raise the money through a car tab tax to fund new $190 million tunnel. This means you'll see your tabs increase $100 annually on a $10,000 vehicle. Well, my car cost about twice that, so... you do the math. Ugh.

I can't help but wonder whether this is going to be similar to the first year I moved to Seattle, when my tabs cost almost $400 to cover the “monorail tax.” No plans to build a new monorail were ever put into effect, and the money seemed to vanish into thin air. I can't help but wonder if the cost of my tabs is going to almost triple for the next few years – with nothing to show for it.

We'll see...