Mercer Island's DC Lobbyist Meets With Feds This Week

As part of its effort to turn back an effort to toll Interstate 90 through Mercer Island, a high-powered delegation from the city — including the mayor, deputy city manager and the city's Washington DC lobbyist — will be making the rounds at several federal government agencies this week, including the EPA and the Federal Highways Administration.

Registered lobbyist Tim Punke of Monument Policy Group will be joined by Mercer Island Mayor Bruce Bassett, City Councilman Mike Grady and Deputy City Manager Noel Treat in meetings in Washington, D.C. this week. The city told city council in March that it authorized spending $10,000 to retain his services for the rest of 2013.

Meetings will be held with the Administrator of the Federal Highways Administration, the Government Affairs Office of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the NEPA Compliance Director for the Environmental Protection Agency, and members and staff of Washington’s congressional delegation.

The Mercer Island delegation will reportedly keep the focus on the "unprecedented nature" of tolling an interstate to pay for a state road project, the legality of tolling under federal law, and the many impacts tolling would impose on the region.

"The City appreciates these opportunities to express our concerns about the legal and policy issues regarding the State’s tolling proposal," said Deputy City Manager Noel Treat in an email.

Meanwhile, Mercer Island's US Congressman Adam Smith (D-Bellevue) sent a letter to Secretary LaHood of the United States Department of Transportation and a separate letter to Governor Inslee regarding I-90 tolling.

In his letter to Secretary LaHood, Congressman Smith raises concerns about the legality of tolling I-90 and the need to ensure a comprehensive environmental impact statement is conducted.  

The letter to Governor Inslee encourages the State to consider all available options to ensure fair distribution of revenue collection across all residents of the State.  

"We are very thankful to Congressman Smith for his support and look forward to continuing to work with him as he seeks to advocate for our interests and those of the region," said Treat.

(Ed. Note: This story was clarified to state that Mercer Island elected officials and a city representative also be present at the meetings in Washington DC.)