OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The $4.2 billion tunnel option as a replacement for the aging Alaskan Way viaduct along Seattle's waterfront is getting a warm reception in the Legislature, but the speaker of the House has yet to give his endorsement.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has already voiced her support for the tunnel option, which she called "a solution for the next hundred years."

Key lawmakers from all sides said they, too, believe the bore tunnel is a good idea.

"I'm actually very excited about this proposal," said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle.

"It's really impressive that they've reached a consensus and are going to move forward," said Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island and chair of Senate Transportation Committee.

"So I think, you know, better late than never. Great news," said Sen. Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, who helped push the deep bore tunnel idea two years ago. "I think we might have found the silver lining in the big snow storm."

Pflug believes the last snow storm traffic snarls gave folks an idea of the years of tie-ups we could have faced if the DOT tore down the viaduct, then had to rebuild it.

"The city almost gets to the point of a paralysis or near-paralysis," Kohl-Welles said.

On Tuesday there was visible excitement at the Legislature over the viaduct decision, but one man who could kill the whole issue had yet to say a word. That man is House Speaker Frank Chopp, who has the power not to bring the issue to a vote.

Chopp declined to comment on the issue. He did, however, issue a statement saying he looks forward to the discussion, but has concerns about the cost, whether this option meets the needs of people living north and south of Seattle, as well as the 70-percent public vote against a tunnel option.

His fellow legislators said they, too, worry about the money, but figure a solution can be found.

"I think the big issues are not the cost. I think the big issues will be around how this works and saves the destruction of the businesses along the waterfront," said Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island and chair of the House Transportation Committee.

These key lawmakers stood with the governor for the unveiling of the plan, but the one they have to convince now is the speaker of the House.

State lawmakers are poised to have a full set of hearings on the tunnel plan before a final vote this session.