Friday, January 18, 2008

Need for Cross-Base Highway Aired by KIRO

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News South Sound Bureau Chief Richard Thompson produced a balanced piece on the Cross-Base Highway that aired this past Wednesday evening. Entitled "Supporters, Opponents At Odds Over Cross-Base Highway," the brief report included clips featuring RAMP Co-Chair John Ladenburg and coalition staff.

KIRO's viewers were presented with the following information:
  • Supporters say the project would ease congestion and help business in Pierce County;
  • Opponents say it will threaten wildlife and destroy an already fragile ecosystem on Fort Lewis;
  • Commuters will be happy to learn construction will soon begin on the project's first phase;
  • The project will never be finished unless voters approve another $400 million to finish the job.
The report also announced that RAMP is considering a new transportation package for Pierce County voters that would include the Cross-Base Highway--pursued separately, teamed up again with King and Snohomish counties, or working with Thurston and Kitsap counties.