Sound Transit Board Adopts Updated ST3

Courtesy of Sound Transit

SEATTLE - Sound Transit adopts an updated ST3 system plan.

The Sound Transit Board adopted an updated system plan a year after it launched the Enterprise Initiative. The Enterprise Initiative sought to deliver the “maximum benefits of ST3 within available financial resources.” Part of this initiative is to analyze how the area has changed since voters approved the ST3 program in 2016. The new plan will keep current light rail projects moving by continuing to advance projects already in the planning process and building projects that are ready for construction, says Sound Transit. The updated plan utilizes cost savings across Sound Transit and includes new revenue sources and financial policies.

The plan seeks to address the estimated $34.5 billion funding gap over the next two decades by identifying projects that “are affordable within existing resources” and those projects that can already be fully funded and constructed as well as those that can be partially funded through planning and design phases.

Sound Transit says it will continue to search for cost efficiencies where possible in order to “move projects forward in the delivery pipeline.” This includes “aggressively” competing for funding at the federal and state level and using legislative tools to “increase available debt and bonding capacity.” Additionally, it will seek to partner with local jurisdictions to progress timelines along by improving permitting and construction.

Below are three lists from Sound Transit that identify the affordable projects within existing resources, projects that are not currently affordable within existing resources, and those projects that are deferred until such resources are identified. Agency staff have been directed by the Board to develop and implement an adaptive program management plan and a project delivery framework by the end of the year, Sound Transit reports.

Affordable Projects Within Existing Resources

• Tacoma Dome Access Improvements
• “West Seattle Link Extension, no Avalon Station
• “Renton Transit Center Parking Garage
• “Tacoma Dome Link Extension
• “Everett Link Extension, Phase 1
• “Everett Link Extension, Phase 2
• “Ballard Link Extension, initial segment to Seattle Center
• “TCC Tacoma Link Extension (now 2043)
• “South Kirkland – Issaquah Link (now 2050)
• “Link Operations and Maintenance Facility South
• “Link Operations and Maintenance Facility North
• “Graham Street Station
• “Sounder Maintenance Base”

Projects that can be Partially Funded through Planning and Design Phase

• “Ballard Link Extension, final design phase
• “Boeing Access Road Station, final design phase
• “Sounder South additional trips (partially funded)
• “DuPont Sounder Extension, planning phase
• “Regional Parking Fund
• “ST Express Bus Base (partially funded)
• “High-capacity transit corridor studies/ST4 planning (partially funded)”

Projects Not Currently Affordable Within Existing Resources

• “Ballard Link Extension, Seattle Center to Market Street
• “Boeing Access Road infill station
• “Sounder additional trips
• “DuPont Sounder Extension, final design and construction
• “High-capacity transit corridor studies/ST4 planning”

Projects Deferred Until Resources are Identified

• “Tacoma Dome Link Extension Parking
• “Everett Link Extension Parking
• “Stride Bus Rapid Transit Parking
• “North Sammamish Park-and-Ride
• “Edmonds and Mukilteo Parking and Access Improvements
• “Bus on Shoulder Project
• “SR 162 Corridor Improvements
• “Sounder South Platform Extensions
• “Sounder South Station Access Improvements
• “ST Express Bus Base, remainder”

“This resolution reflects both realism and optimism – addressing today’s financial pressures while preserving our long-term commitment to delivering the regional transit system voters approved. . . While the financial challenges facing Sound Transit are significant, this action creates a responsible path forward that keeps critical projects moving, protects the long-term health of the system, and positions us to advance more of the ST3 vision as economic conditions improve and new opportunities emerge,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers.

Somers continued, “We heard clearly from residents across Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties that transit matters deeply to the future of this region. People care about timelines, equity, affordability, and accountability – and they should. Those voices helped shape this updated plan and will continue to guide this Board moving forward. This region has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to invest in its future.”

Sound Transit Vice Chair and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello said, “Light rail is coming to Tacoma on schedule and that is worth celebrating, not only for Pierce County but for the entire region. We all benefit when we have a truly regional transit system that connects all of us to jobs, essential services, and each other. . . At the same time, we must remain sharply focused on the tough work in front of us. Pierce County’s delegation is unwavering in its commitment to delivering all the remaining Sound Transit 3 projects that voters deserve. That is how we will continue to connect our dynamic region. Thanks to our regional partners for coming together to realize this challenging outcome, the beginning of a long road ahead.”

Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine said, “Over the course of the past year, the Board and agency staff have devoted significant time and attention to developing an updated, affordable system plan. Today marks the successful culmination of that effort. . . The level of engagement during this process demonstrates the passionate support for transit throughout the region. Following the Board’s action today, the direction to the agency is clear: Deliver more of the frequent, reliable transit people have come to rely on, and do it as quickly and as efficiently as possible. We are resolute in our commitment to do just that.”