Sound Transit Board Adopts 'Affordable' ST3 Plan, Securing Link Rail from Everett to Tacoma Dome
To ensure the realization of the regional transit vision, the Sound Transit Board adopted an updated system plan, according to a recent press release from Sound Transit. This decision follows a year-long Enterprise Initiative launched to manage rapidly rising capital and operating costs and deliver the ST3 program, which voters approved in 2016, affordably.
The updated plan keeps key light rail projects in motion by prioritizing those ready for construction and advancing projects already in the planning process. This strategy incorporates agency-wide cost savings, new revenue streams, and financial policies intended to set the agency on a sustainable path.
The affordable plan includes Link Light Rail construction from Everett to the Tacoma Dome, connecting West Seattle and Ballard to Seattle Center, and the design of a full Ballard project.
Addressing the Funding Gap
To manage an estimated $34.5 billion funding gap over the next 20 years, the Board categorized projects based on affordability:
Fully Funded and Constructed: Projects slated for completion include the West Seattle Link Extension (excluding Avalon Station), Tacoma Dome Link Extension, Everett Link Extension (phases 1 and 2), and the initial segment of the Ballard Link Extension to Seattle Center.
Partially Funded (Planning and Design): These projects will be completed through planning and design, including the final design phases for the Ballard Link Extension and Boeing Access Road Station.
Not Currently Affordable: The agency will continue to pursue additional funding for projects such as the remaining portion of the Ballard Link Extension (Seattle Center to Market Street).
Deferred: Projects deferred until additional resources are secured include parking components for the Tacoma Dome and Everett Link Extensions, and Sounder South Platform Extensions.
In the press release, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine affirmed the Board’s clear direction: to "Deliver more of the frequent, reliable transit people have come to rely on, and do it as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”
Learn more about Sound Transit at soundtransit.org
Did you enjoy this blog post? Then consider donating to Converge and supporting our mission here.
