Sound Transit eyes routes for light-rail extension to Federal Way

Sound Transit has begun laying the groundwork for yet another light-rail extension with the release late last week of a new draft environmental impact statement.

The document looks at four build alternatives routes for extending light-rail service 7.6 miles south of the future Angle Lake Station to the transit center in Federal Way, Wash.

Funding the entire route could cost $1.42 billion to $1.77 billion, depending on which option is chosen. So far, funding has been secured only for the first leg of the route, which would run from the Angle Lake Station to Kent/Des Moines and is expected to open by 2023.

Sound Transit posted the document on its website, in addition to providing an interactive tool that allows users to build their own routes and compare the estimated costs, ridership figures, travel time and potential displacements of each.

Voters approved plans for the extension under the Sound Transit 2 measure in 2008.

The agency will accept comment on the plans at public hearings to be held May 6-7, as well as via email or direct mail. The comment period will end May 26.

The news follows the agency's settling on a final route for its Lynwood Link Extension project last week.