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Sound Transit’s board recently approved the purchase of 1.1 miles of former BNSF Railway Co. right of way as part of the upcoming extension of the East Link light-rail service between Bellevue and Redmond, Wash.

The $13.8 million purchase of the “key property” from the Port of Seattle supports Sound Transit’s work to begin construction of the East Link in 2015, agency officials said in a prepared statement. The purchase package includes an easement that will provide access to 37 miles of rail corridor between Woodinville and Renton for other potential transit investments.

The board’s action follows a nonbinding memorandum of understanding between the Port of Seattle and Sound Transit reached in 2009. The Port of Seattle Commission still must review the acquisition.

The agency received approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for a “protective acquisition” before the FTA issues a “record of decision” approving a final East Link alignment. Sound Transit is slated to adopt the final alignment in summer.

In addition to the 37-mile easement, Sound Transit will receive rights to access the portion of the rail corridor in Redmond city limits, which would allow for future construction and operation of a light-rail extension under evaluation. The city will convey the easement when Sound Transit closes its transaction with the Port of Seattle, agency officials said.