Missing Link: Cascade's statement on today's appeal decision

Below is Cascade Bicycle Club's statement regarding today's (Dec. 13, 2019) judge ruling on the appeal surrounding the completion of the Burke-Gilman Trail's Missing Link:

Judge Samuel Chung agreed that the bulk of the Missing Link Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was sufficient. Specifically, he ruled that the EIS was sufficient in the areas of traffic analysis and safety as well as the review of any loss of parking. Conversely, Judge Chung identified the analysis of economic impacts—specifically the potential for increased costs of insurance—as the single basis for ruling the EIS deficient. While the members, leadership and staff of Cascade Bicycle Club are disappointed in the delay stemming from the ruling today in King County Superior Court, we believe this can be resolved and that the City can move forward with getting construction back on track.

“Unfortunately the real cost of this obstruction campaign is borne by the over 300 people a year who suffer injuries on the Missing Link,” says Richard Smith, Executive Director of Cascade Bicycle Club. “For over 20 years, a few deep-pocketed individuals have delayed while the community of Ballard has waited for their preferred route.” 

Since the Environmental Impact Statement was completed in 2013, thousands of residents and businesses have weighed in on the EIS and subsequent design process saying they want to ‘Complete the Missing Link!’ During the EIS comment process alone, 77 percent of the 4,500 respondents indicated a preference to locate along the preferred alternative, which runs along NW 45th St., Shilshole Ave. NW and NW Market St.

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Media Contact: 
Brent Tongco
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
Cascade Bicycle Club
(206) 949-4307
brentt@cascade.org

 

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