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The proposed extension of light rail to three state of Washington communities reached a major milestone yesterday when Sound Transit distributed the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the East Link project.

The publication of the EIS positions Sound Transit’s board to select an East Link route and station locations on or after July 28, Sound Transit officials said in a prepared statement.

By 2030, the East Link is projected to handle up to 50,000 riders each weekday, they said.

After the route and stations are selected and Sound Transit receives Federal Transit Administration approval, the project will move into the final design stage. The agency expects to start construction in 2015 or 2016 and launch service in 2022 or 2023.

“We are committed to moving this project forward as rapidly as we can and continuing to involve the public in the design process,” Sound Transit Chairman Aaron Reardon said.