"If the (2001) Nisqually earthquake had lasted a mere 15 seconds longer, the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle and S-R 520 (floating bridge) would have crumbled, and bridges all up and down the I-5 corridor would have been highly vulnerable. The loss of life could have been devastating, and the long-term economic impact crippling...These are our levees, and the earthquake is our hurricane. We are not going to be given a warning. You can't see an earthquake coming."

-Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, at a recent press conference. Washingtonians will vote in November whether to allow a new gas-tax increase, which would pay for millions of dollars in safety improvements to bridges, the Viaduct and the floating bridge.

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