NASCAR track could be costly

MARYSVILLE, Wash. — Transportation needs for a proposed NASCAR track in Snohomish County could require $85 million in public financing, according to a report commissioned by city officials.

The money would go toward rebuilding interchanges on Interstate 5 and surrounding roads likely to be used by 20,000 motorists and buses leaving a race. The cost includes $17 million already funded to build a new Highway 529 bridge over Ebey Slough.

The anticipated road costs are in addition to the $200 million International Speedway Corp. has already asked for from the Legislature to pay for the track.

ISC has said it will cover another $50 million.

Under the proposal, much of the public cost would be paid back through sales taxes collected from race fans.

A study earlier this year estimated fans would generate between $87 million and $122 million annually for the local economy.

The funding request comes as other costly projects, such as the Alaskan Way Viaduct in Seattle, vie for money.

State Rep. Brian Sullivan, D-Mukilteo, said unless ISC covers more of the track’s cost, the $85 million price tag could be a hard sell.

“When I shop it around to legislators, it’s not a good feeling,” said Sullivan, a member of the transportation committee.

In the Senate, Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, chairwoman of the transportation committee, opposes the use of public funds for the 75,000-seat racetrack.

The $30,000 study conducted by Perteet Inc. of Everett was released Friday. It said more than $800 million is needed for road improvements in north Snohomish County.