Norwegian Constitution Day or "grunnlovsdag," commonly known as "Syttende Mai," or the 17th of May, is a celebration of the day in 1814 when Norway's constitution was signed in the town of Eidsvoll, Norway.

And, in Ballard, WA, USA, where it's Norwegian Day everyday, that means it's almost time for the annual 17th of May parade, which is no kidding one of the largest Norwegian events of its type in the entire nation. The day has been celebrated in Ballard since 1889. Learn more at the official website, http://syttendemaiseattle.com/index.shtml

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Seattle Regional Tunneling Conference

Please join Discovery Institute's Cascadia Center for Regional Development for an Underground Contractors Association tunneling session, where worldwide experts will meet to discuss Seattle Regional Tunneling and Large Bore Tunnel Replacement for the Alaska Way Viaduct. The conference will be held on Monday, May 4, at the Seattle Sheraton, located at 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington. For more information and to register for this event, please click here:
http://uca.smenet.org/meetings/details/?meeting=Seattle%20Regional%20Tunneling%20Conference

Save The Date For Our Tunneling Contracting Forum
WSDOT is hosting a forum to discuss preliminary contracting plans for the deep bored tunnel replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

1 to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Seattle Central Library
Microsoft Auditorium
1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle

Please RSVP by e-mailing viaduct@wsdot.wa.gov or calling 1-888-AWV-LINE. Due to space limitations, we are asking companies to send no more than two representatives to this event. RSVP early to reserve your space!

For more information: Visit: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/viaduct/contracting.htm

Can They Count On You?

This in from the SODO NewsBrief – "The U.S. Census Bureau contacted the S.P.D. to let us know that within the next few weeks, the U.S. Census Bureau will be conducting field operations. The Census Bureau wants to make sure that local law enforcement and the community can identify Census Bureau employees, both temporary decennial employees and permanent field representatives.

Please be aware that each Census employee, whether temporary, regional level or Field office manager will have an official identification card with the employee's signature and expiration date. To verify an employee's identity please call the US Census Bureau's Regional Census Center at 425-908-3000.

The Census Bureau wants to remind you that Federal law protects your privacy and keeps your answers confidential. Your answers cannot be obtained by law enforcement, nor tax collection agencies. They cannot be used in court, nor obtained with a Freedom of Information Act request.

Getting Employees Across the Lake During the Bridge Closure

I-90 lane closures on the Homer Hadley Bridge (westbound direction) are starting in May! Expect congestion…well, duh! There are options and special offers for 'trans-lake' commuters, however.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is working with King County Metro to keep traffic moving. Here's WSDOT's offer to commuters starting new King County Metro commuter van groups on routes that routinely travel on I-405 or cross the I-90 or SR 520 bridges in either direction:

Free Metro vanpool fares or Metro vanshare fees for three months for new groups who start between May 1, 2009 and July 1, 2009!
$20 MasterCard Gift Card to new registrants on RideshareOnline.com or current registrants that go into the system and request an updated ridematch.
Who is eligible?

• Commuters routinely commuting on I-405 or in either direction on the I-90 or SR 520 bridges.
  
• Approved applicants who have completed the Metro online orientation course by 5/15/09 and take delivery of their van by July 1, 2009.
  
• Commuters who have not participated in a public vanpool period in the last 90 days.

Do You Have a Brilliant Clean Tech Idea?

Enter the Clean Tech Open and compete for more than $1 million in cash and startup services! The Clean Tech Open is the planet's leading clean technology business competition offering clean tech innovators the tools, training and connections they need to become tomorrow's viable clean tech businesses. Early stage clean tech startups are invited to enter the inaugural Pacific Northwest Clean Tech Open!

Enter today!

• Register at www.CleanTechOpen.com and check the box that says "I am interested in competing."
  
• Verify your eligibility: at least 2 team members; less than $500,000 in private funding; open to U.S. citizens, residents and legal aliens.
  
• Create a team online and pay the entry fee. Deadline for the Super Early Bird Discount is Friday, May 1, 2009.
  
• Write your 3-page Executive Summary using the template provided.
  
• Submit your final Executive Summary by May 30, 2009 at 11:59pm PST.

Electronic Speed Limit Signs Light Up I-90

On westbound I-90 between I-405 in Bellevue and I-5 in Seattle dirvers will see the latest traffic technology aimed at increasing safety. Variable speed-limit signs will begin displaying digital speed limits that change with the level of congestion to reduce collisions and smooth traffic flow.

MAJOR BRIDGE CLOSURES