Mayor Message on the Anniversary of the Nisqually Earthquake

02/28/05

Dear Friends:

Do you remember where you were, four years ago? If you were in Western Washington, you do. At 10:54 a.m., a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck our region, changing forever our perceptions of the “solid ground” beneath our feet.

The Nisqually Earthquake was a frightening wake up call for all of us. Since that time, the City has been working hard to make our citizens safer. We have retrofitted two dozen bridges, updated building and residential codes, participated in preparedness exercises, and updated water systems. In addition, the $167 million Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy is allowing us to upgrade, renovate, or replace 32 neighborhood fire stations; construct a new training facility and a new Fire Alarm Center; and establish other emergency preparedness facilities that will withstand the forces of a significant earthquake.

One structure that continues to be a major threat is the Alaskan Way Viaduct. The crumbling structure carries more than 100,000 cars and trucks every day; it also houses important utility lines. Should another earthquake happen, lives and our economic stability are at risk.

With the state and federal governments, we will continue to work hard to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a structure that will maintain its capacity and will create new opportunities for our City.

Replacing highways isn’t the only preparedness work being done at the City. To learn more about what we’re doing at the city, as well as find out what you can do to protect your family and your neighborhood, please visit my “Emergency Preparedness” issues Web site.

Thank you for all you do to keep Seattle safe.

Sincerely,

GREG NICKELS
Mayor