ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT REPLACEMENT PROJECT Final Environmental Impact Statement APPENDIX L Economics Discipline Report Submitted by: PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF Prepared by: PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF J U L Y 2 0 1 1 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project Final EIS Economics Discipline Report The Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project is a joint effort between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and the City of Seattle. To conduct this project, WSDOT contracted with: Parsons Brinckerhoff 999 Third Avenue, Suite 3200 Seattle, WA 98104 In association with: Coughlin Porter Lundeen, Inc. EnviroIssues, Inc. GHD, Inc. HDR Engineering, Inc. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Inc. Mimi Sheridan, AICP Parametrix, Inc. Power Engineers, Inc. Shannon & Wilson, Inc. William P. Ott Construction Consultants SR 99: Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project July 2011 Economics Discipline Report Final EIS This Page Intentionally Left Blank TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 Introduction and Summary ................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Build Alternatives Overview ....................................................................................................................... 2 1.2.1 Overview of Bored Tunnel Alternative (Preferred) ........................................................................... 3 1.2.2 Overview of Cut-and-Cover Tunnel Alternative ............................................................................... 4 1.2.3 Overview of Elevated Structure Alternative ..................................................................................... 5 1.3 Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.3.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................................... 6 1.3.2 Operational Effects, Mitigation, and Benefits ................................................................................. 10 1.3.3 Construction Effects and Mitigation ............................................................................................... 17 1.3.4 Tolling ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Chapter 2 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................... 19 2.1 Study Area ............................................................................................................................................... 19 2.2 Applicable Regulations and Guidelines ................................................................................................... 19 2.3 Data Needs and Sources ......................................................................................................................... 19 2.4 Analysis of Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................ 20 2.5 Analysis of Environmental Effects ........................................................................................................... 21 2.6 Determining Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................................ 23 Chapter 3 Studies and Coordination ................................................................................................................. 25 3.1 Studies ..................................................................................................................................................... 25 3.2 Coordination ............................................................................................................................................ 25 Chapter 4 Affected Environment ....................................................................................................................... 27 4.1 General Role of the Local Economy ........................................................................................................ 27 4.1.1 Average Wages ............................................................................................................................. 27 4.1.2 Largest Private and Public Employers ........................................................................................... 28 4.1.3 Size of Tourism Industry ................................................................................................................ 28 4.1.4 Amount of Cargo Shipped by Port of Seattle Facilities .................................................................. 29 4.1.5 Transit Facilities Serving the Central Business District ................................................................. 29 4.2 Established Business Districts and Retail/Commercial Centers .............................................................. 30 4.2.1 Greater Duwamish Manufacturing and Industrial Center ............................................................... 30 4.2.2 Pioneer Square District .................................................................................................................. 32 4.2.3 Financial District ............................................................................................................................ 32 4.2.4 Pike Place Market .......................................................................................................................... 32 4.2.5 Central Waterfront ......................................................................................................................... 32 4.2.6 Seattle CBD and Westlake Center Retail Area .............................................................................. 33 4.2.7 Seattle Center................................................................................................................................ 33 4.2.8 South Lake Union Urban Center ................................................................................................... 34 4.2.9 Uptown Urban Center .................................................................................................................... 35 4.2.10 Ballard Interbay Northend Manufacturing and Industrial Center .................................................. 35 4.3 Employment ............................................................................................................................................. 35 4.3.1 Employment by Industry ................................................................................................................ 35 4.3.2 Unemployment Rates .................................................................................................................... 37 4.4 Parking .................................................................................................................................................... 40 SR 99: Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project July 2011 Economics Discipline Report i Final EIS 4.4.1 Parking Inventory ........................................................................................................................... 40 4.4.2 Center City Parking Program ......................................................................................................... 41 4.5 Local Government Revenues .................................................................................................................. 42 4.5.1 Sales and Use Tax ........................................................................................................................ 42 4.5.2 Business and Occupation Tax and Public Utility Tax ..................................................................... 42 4.5.3 Property Tax .................................................................................................................................. 43 4.5.4 Other Taxes and User Fees........................................................................................................... 43 4.5.5 Revenues From On-Street Parking and Public Garages ............................................................... 44 4.6 Traffic Congestion and Its Cost ................................................................................................................ 45 4.7 Ferry and Cruise Ship Facilities ............................................................................................................... 51 4.8 Inventory of Existing Businesses ............................................................................................................. 52 4.8.1 Results of Business Inventory ........................................................................................................ 54 4.8.2 Breakdown of Businesses by Geographic Area ............................................................................. 56 Chapter 5 Operational Effects, Mitigation, and Benefits ................................................................................ 61 5.1 Operational Effects of the Viaduct Closed (No Build Alternative)............................................................. 61 5.1.1 Scenario