House bill prevents environmental delays to 520 bridge project

OLYMPIA — The Washington state House has passed a bill to prevent a possible work stoppage on the 520 floating bridge project over environmental concerns.

The measure, HB 2814, would grant the project an exemption from the state’s Shoreline Management Act, which requires a work stoppage until any lawsuit appealing the granting of an environmental permit is resolved.

Supporters say the bill would ensure that nearly 900 construction jobs and $165 million in state money tied up in the project will not be lost.

The bill would also require that a funding source — likely from tolling on Interstate 90 — be in place before work begins on construction connecting the new 520 bridge to the western landing near the University of Washington.

The measure goes next to the Senate.