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In Sound Transit’s recently released 2002 proposed budget, the Washington state transit agency plans to build on leadership stabilization it’s found in 2001, and continue progress with its Sounder commuter rail and Link light rail.



Of its $731.2 million budget, Sound Transit has earmarked $110 million for operations and $621.2 million for capital expenses for its January-to-December fiscal year.



Specifically, $231.3 million would be used for commuter rail projects including station completion at Sumner, Puyallup and Tacoma Dome, and parking structure construction at Kent and Auburn. An additional $17.1 million budgeted for Everett-to-Seattle track and facilities would fund construction and vehicle purchases. On the northern segment, Sound Transit would use funds for right-of-way acquisition and construction.



Link Light Rail would receive $273 million in 2002 capital outlays, mostly toward Central Link’s continuing final design, ROW acquisition, demolition and construction on one line segment, and demolition at the maintenance base site. Funds for Tacoma Link would be directed toward construction activities and vehicle delivery, which is scheduled for second-half 2002.



During the coming year, Sound Transit also plans to successfully negotiate a revised federal Full Funding Grant Agreement for Central Link, and work with communities to address concerns and potential project impacts, and review project plans.