Presentations regarding public comments about funding a new SR-520 floating bridge will be held on the Island at noon, Dec. 12, at the Mercer Island City Hall Council Chambers.

The three-member 520 Tolling Committee and consultants will present the initial results from recent public comments from an online survey and other personal submissions. The comment period ended on Nov. 30. The results of a phone survey that asked the public about tolling issues and options will also be presented.

Other topics covered will include updates about adding high-occupancy toll lanes to I-90, proposed mitigation measures, as well as a plan for the report to be delivered to the legislature in January 2009.

In spring 2008, the state legislature established the Tolling Committee, naming Bob Drewel, the executive director of Puget Sound Regional Council, Paula Hammond, the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation, and Dick Ford, the Commissioner of Washington State Transportation Commission, as its three members.

The committee is seeking public input and consulting with local jurisdictions around Lake Washington about how tolls can help pay for a new 520 between Seattle and Bellevue. The committee has also been asked by the legislature to examine funding improvements on both 520 and I-90 with tolls paid by drivers on both bridges. A final report is due to the governor and legislature in January 2009.

More information is available at www.build520.org.