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politics23h ago
New Sound Transit light rail plan fully funds main 'spine', Ballard line remains shortened
- Sound Transit board approved a 25-year plan guiding which ST3 projects move forward and how to fund them amid a $34.5 billion shortfall.
- Several projects are now fully funded through construction, including West Seattle Link Extension and Everett Link Extensions.
- Some projects will continue through planning and design while the agency seeks additional funding from various sources.
- The plan defers some Ballard and Boeing-related components until new funding is identified.
- The Board directed staff to develop an adaptive program management plan by end of 2026 to improve delivery and accountability.
- Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson acknowledged progress but criticized the pace of Ballard light-rail delivery.
- Transportation officials say the vote starts a new phase while continuing to pursue additional revenue and reforms.
- The plan prioritizes projects already under construction or fully funded, while others await funding or design work.
- Voters approved the ST3 package in 2016, promising major rail and related projects across the region.
- Officials expect the expanded network could serve up to 600,000 daily riders by 2050.
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