As the Washington State Legislature considers transportation options, the Sound Transit Board of Directors urgently calls on legislators to include funding to protect rail and bus rapid transit projects that are critical for moving people, creating jobs and protecting our environment.
A letter from members of the Board to the House and Senate transportation committees outlines the funding shortfall Sound Transit faces due to the impacts of the COVID-19 recession and increases in real estate prices and construction costs. State support is critical for helping to resolve a $11.5 billion affordability gap for finishing voter-approved projects on time.
While current construction projects remain funded and will be delivered on time, the shortfall threatens projects in earlier phases of development to expand light rail to Tacoma, Everett, West Seattle, Ballard, South Kirkland, Issaquah and Tacoma Community College; expand Sounder commuter rail service and access; and launch Stride bus rapid transit service on I-405.
“Sound Transit is committed to delivering as much of the ST3 plan as quickly as revenues will allow to keep our people and economy moving, including creating thousands of jobs that fuel or economic recovery,” said Sound Transit Board Chair and University Place City Councilmember Kent Keel.
“The voters of the Puget Sound region passed ST 3 because they knew that it was critical to the economic future of our region and to address climate change. Those needs have only deepened since then, and it is incumbent on leaders to find ways to help deliver on the promised benefits of building the system as soon as we can,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine.
“We must maintain momentum remedying years of underinvestment in mass transit infrastructure that is needed to make the Puget Sound region’s transportation system work. Finally getting this job done is critical to our entire state’s future — our economy and our environment — and we can’t do it without the Legislature’s support,” said Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Everett City Councilmember Paul Roberts.
Through a realignment process that is now underway, the Sound Transit Board of Directors is responding to the $11.5 billion affordability gap by working to determine the agency’s course of action for projects not yet in construction, as required by state law. The first emphasis is pursuing expanded financial capacity, including urgently seeking federal and state funding. To the extent that sufficient resources are not secured, the only tools available include delaying projects or, in some cases, potentially eliminating them.
The transportation sector represents the largest source of Washington’s carbon emissions. Yet, the burden of paying for critical public transit projects and services falls almost entirely on local taxpayers. No state funding is currently in place to support Sound Transit’s infrastructure expansions. The failure to adequately fund public transportation should be remedied in any transportation revenue proposal that moves forward.
“Slowing Sound Transit’s progress in expanding our rail and bus rapid transit network means slowing our progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and connecting workers to housing that is affordable,” said Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff. “The Legislature’s support for keeping voter-approved projects on track is critical to realizing the interests and values of regional and state residents.”
drsmythe says
I try hard to use only facts and avoid emotions when commenting, but I may fail this time. In my opinion, Seattle Transit (AKA Sound Transit) is the perfect case study of government taxing/spending out of control, much like Boston’s “Big Dig” fiasco.
We live 50 miles from Seattle. There is no public transportation within miles of us; yet we are force to pay tens of thousands of our hard earned retirement dollars to subsidize Seattle businesses by transporting their employees to work. In addition, we have to pay more taxes to fund local services for the burgeoning population of Seattle workers who can’t afford to live in Seattle. In short, we are forced to pay for destroying our own quality of life to support Seattle business interests.
As a side note, my wife and I have twice ridden the light rail, both times from the Angle Lake station; the furthest station from Seattle. The first time we witnessed a visiting family from New Zealand with two elementary aged children accosted by a raging man yelling kids can’t be on the train. I will never forget the fearful and totally disbelieving look on the parent’s faces as they tried to squeeze their kids through the crowded car to get away. It left me wondering how many people on the rest their journey, and back in New Zealand, will form their opinion of Seattle, and perhaps the USA, based on hearing of their experience – perhaps hundreds.
The second trip started out having to pay ten dollars, again at Angle Lake, just to park. The rest of the trip was rather uneventful, other than a frightened well dressed petite woman trying to get away from a large unkept man following her where ever she moved. And an arrest by police in a seat across from us. Gauging from the disinterested reaction of other riders, these must be normal occurances.
So, I seriously doubt we will ever ride the light rail again. There is really no point. Driving is cheaper, safer and faster. Besides, there is really no longer a reason to visit what once was a very beautiful city.
Tom says
The Sound Transit Committee Thieves are at it again. How sad for us all.