Sound Transit Secures Funding for Main Light Rail Spine, Cuts Ballard Line

Sound Transit’s board in Seattle has approved a new long-term plan. This plan will guide transit projects over the next 25 years and address a large funding gap of $34.5 billion. The board voted 16-2 in favour of the plan, with Claudia Balducci and Dan Strauss voting against it.

This decision comes after a year of work called the Enterprise Initiative. Officials noted that rising costs and delays due to inflation and shortages increased the budget needed for projects approved by voters in 2016. The board managed to resolve the funding gap and ensure full funding for many projects, while some will only receive partial funding.

Projects fully funded for construction include the Tacoma Dome Access Improvements and the West Seattle Link Extension. However, others like the Ballard Link Extension need more funds before construction can begin.

The plan also includes cost-saving measures and new revenue ideas. Sound Transit aims to prioritise projects already in progress and explore further funding from different sources. Seattle’s Mayor, Katie Wilson, welcomed the plan but expressed concern for the Ballard light rail’s future. Voters approved the ST3 measure in 2016, promising major transit expansions, and they continue to expect results.

How much do you know?

What is the funding gap that the new long-term plan addresses?

$25 billion

$30 billion

$34.5 billion

$40 billion

How many members of the board voted in favor of the new long-term plan?

14

15

16

18

Which projects are fully funded for construction according to the new plan?

Ballard Link Extension

Tacoma Dome Access Improvements

West Seattle Link Extension

Both Tacoma Dome Access Improvements and West Seattle Link Extension

What initiative resulted in the new long-term plan?

Enterprise Initiative

Inflation Plan

Voter Approved Initiative

Cost-Saving Initiative

Who expressed concern for the Ballard light rail's future?

Claudia Balducci

Dan Strauss

Katie Wilson

Sound Transit Board

In what year was the ST3 measure approved by voters?

2014

2015

2016

2017

The board voted 18-0 in favor of the new long-term plan.

True False

The funding gap that needs to be addressed is $34.5 million.

True False

Sound Transit is focusing on projects already in progress as part of the new plan.

True False

Claudia Balducci and Dan Strauss voted in favor of the new long-term plan.

True False

Some projects will receive partial funding according to the new plan.

True False

The new long-term plan is intended to guide transit projects for up to 30 years.

True False

The Sound Transit board's new long-term plan will guide transit projects over the next years.

The vote on the long-term plan was 16-2 in of the plan.

The board resolved the funding gap of $34.5 as part of the new plan.

Projects like the Ballard Link Extension need funds before construction can begin.

Katie Wilson welcomed the plan but expressed for the Ballard light rail's future.

Voters approved the ST3 measure in , promising major transit expansions.

This question is required