SEATTLE – Councilmember Lisa Herbold (District 1, West Seattle & Highland Park), issued the following statement regarding this afternoon’s announcement from Mayor Jenny Durkan to “stop work” on the Center City Streetcar:

“I thank Mayor Durkan for pressing the ‘pause’ button on the Center City Streetcar through her executive order to stop work.

“This step is necessary to ensure that the independent review ordered by the Mayor is meaningful. Had work proceeded as scheduled-especially in awarding a construction contract- it would be more difficult to integrate the results of the independent review, or delay or stop the project. I had begun working on legislation to cease spending until after the review was complete; with the Mayor’s executive order, it appears that won’t be necessary.

“I remain concerned about potential unsustainable operations shortfalls, which could be millions annually, even under the most optimistic ridership and farebox recovery scenarios.”