Sound Transit asks state lawmakers for expansion support

Sound Transit's board is asking the Washington State Legislature to include funding to protect rail and bus rapid transit projects.

A letter from board members to the state House and Senate transportation committees outlines the funding shortfall Sound Transit faces due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic-related recession and increases in real estate prices and construction costs. 

State support is critical for helping to resolve a $11.5 billion affordability gap for finishing voter-approved projects on time, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

While current construction projects remain funded and will be delivered on time, the shortfall threatens projects in earlier phases of development to expand light rail to Tacoma, Everett, West Seattle, Ballard, South Kirkland, Issaquah and Tacoma Community College; expand Sounder commuter-rail service and access; and launch Stride bus rapid transit service on Interstate 405.