SEATTLE -- The Seattle City Council voted unanimously to authorize the Washington Department of Transportation and the city to move forward with the Alaskan Way Viaduct deep bored tunnel and seawall replacement.

This agreement marks the fourth in a series of contracts for the project. In September, the council approved three contracts with the state that authorized more than $480 million in state funds to be used for reconfiguring the south portion of the viaduct.

“We’ve reached agreement with the state and we will continue moving forward,” said Councilmember Jan Drago, chair of the Transportation Committee.

The agreement authorized Monday outlines the city and state’s funding and construction responsibilities and outlines Seattle’s $927 million obligation to the project set for completion in 2018.

Last Friday, the council reviewed and discussed a variety of possible funding sources for the project, including an increase in the commercial parking tax and a new Transportation Benefit District to collect vehicle license fees. The council is expected to act on proposed funding options in 2010.

In a press release from Seattle mayoral candidate Mike McGinn after the vote he said, "If I'm elected mayor, although I disagree with this decision, it will be my job to uphold and execute this agreement. It is not the mayor's job to withhold the cooperation of city government in executing this agreement."

McGinn went on to say that he will continue to ask questions about the tunnel. Read his press release.

Candidate Joe Mallahan said, "I am pleased the City Council reaffirmed its commitment to move forward on the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project. The worst thing we could do for our economy is undo a decision that took eight years to make. If we don't move forward on replacing the viaduct, our economy and our traffic will come to a screeching halt."

Read his entire statement here.

Councilmember Nick Licata told the Seattle Times that the agreement is being rushed so that a decision will be made before the election of a new mayor.

“The viaduct replacement will provide safe, effective transportation solutions that our region desperately needs,” said Council President Richard Conlin. “By opening up our waterfront, Seattle will also create new opportunities for local businesses and tourism, enhancing the attraction of Seattle and Elliott Bay as a signature destination for residents and tourists.”