I read with interest your article on refurbishing the 150-foot tunnel at the state Capitol for $4 million.
While it certainly is a problem that should be solved, I believe other options should be considered. My immediate thought is to isolate it and fill it with sand and make a sidewalk at ground level, for maybe $50,000.
The cost, of course, should be borne by the users, not the taxpayers. It is a perk of their jobs.
If the $4 million were financed at 5% over 30 years, it would be some $400,000 per year. If 300 people are using the tunnel, they would pay around $1,300 per year for that privilege. The $50,000 option would cost them $16 per year.
I know what I would choose.
Gary Shelton
Chehalis
