Governor Christine Gregoire wants to let Seattle residents decide whether they want a tunnel or a new viaduct to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct along the downtown waterfront.

The governor called for a vote before the end of the next legislative session. The Washington State Legislature convenes Jan. 8 and continues this year for 105 days or until about the end of May.

Her call for a Seattle vote immediately drew support from Seattle City Council President Nick Licata and the council's Transportation Committee chairman, Councilman David J. Della. They suggest the vote be scheduled in late March or early April.

The governor said supporters of the tunnel and proponents of a new elevated structure "intend to obstruct a path forward through legislative or permitting processes" and the voters will be asked to "break the stalemate."

"I don't believe that, without a vote, either option will move forward," Gregoire said. "We need to hear directly from the people for whom this decision has the most impact."

The Washington State Department of Transportation estimates about one-quarter of the 110,000 vehicles that travel the Alaskan Way Viaduct daily are coming to or leaving West Seattle.

"I also welcome taking this issue to a vote of the people," said Mayor Greg Nickels, head cheerleader for the tunnel option. "How we replace the viaduct is a critical issue for the future of the city and we will abide by the decision of the citizens."

Gregoire instructed the State Department of Transportation to continue planning a tunnel as well as a replacement viaduct so that construction can begin on schedule in 2008 no matter which option Seattle voters pick. However, transportation planners should develop options for building a new elevated waterfront structure that would take into account "urban design and architectural quality."

She also told department planners to minimize disruption to businesses, residents and the traveling public as they figure out construction plans.

The governor determined the finance plan to build a new elevated structure is "feasible and sufficient," but the finance plan for a tunnel is not.

So far, the state of Washington has appropriated about $2 billion toward the project, plus $177 million from the five-cent increase in the state gas tax and $4 million from money budgeted to the project before 2003.

Federal earmarks (money for specific projects) bring another $217 million; the city of Seattle agreed to pay $16 million and the Puget Sound Regional Council contributed $1 million.

The total in "secured funding" is $2.4 billion.

The latest estimates put the cost of building a new elevated structure at about $2.8 billion while a tunnel would cost $4.6 billion.

Mayor Nickels expressed confidence that financing problems can be solved.

"We already have the basis of a solid financing plan," the mayor said. "And with further design, I believe we can also significantly bring down the cost of the tunnel."

King County Executive Ron Sims echoed support of a public vote but did not think the choice should be limited to a tunnel or an elevated structure. He favors a third option, tear down the viaduct but don't replace it, relying instead on traffic using surface streets to get through the downtown waterfront.

Gregoire said that option was a non-starter because it would further add to the woes of traffic on Interstate 5 as well as turn the downtown into a traffic jam.

Tim St. Clair can be reached at tstclair@robinsonnews.com or 932-0300.