Article
Hitting a Wall
The seawall holding back Elliott Bay is crumbling. Mayor McGinn wants voters to approve a $241 million bond to restore it before an earthquake hits and a tsunami swallows downtown.
Image: Benjamen Purvis
2
Days after the devastating 7.0 Haiti earthquake that McGinn announced his proposal
10
Percent chance that the seawall will collapse within the next 10 years, flooding the city and costing lives
4
Years it will take to repair the seawall under McGinn’s plan
6
Years it will take to repair the seawall under the Alaskan Way tunnel plan, which the mayor opposes
8
City council members (out of 9) who have publicly opposed the bond measure
$48
Increase in annual tax the bond would levy against an owner of a $400,000 home
$1 million
Cost to run a special election for the bond measure in May
60
Percentage of voters—more than 225,000 people—required to approve the measure
