Sound Transit selects 'E1' corridor for Tacoma Link project

Sound Transit's board has picked the North Downtown Central corridor, also known as the E1 corridor, as the alignment that will receive further environmental review for a potential expansion of the Tacoma Link light-rail system.

Last week's board decision will allow Sound Transit to focus planning efforts on one corridor out of the 24 options studied, agency officials said in a press release

"We are pleased to be moving the project forward to the project-level environmental review phase, though there is more work to be done in finding a financial partner or partners," said Sound Transit Chair and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. "Still, the selection of the E1 as the preferred corridor is an important step in bringing us closer to offering Link light rail to more Tacoma residents, commuters and businesses."

The 2.3-mile route will be further defined and evaluated as part of the project-level environmental review process. After the review is completed, the board is expected to take final action on the project's route, station locations and funding.

The project is contingent on securing $50 million from a funding parter or partners and $50 million in federal Small Starts grant funding to supplement $50 million from local Sound Transit 2 ballot initiative revenue, agency officials said.