News releases
Read the latest Sound Transit news, expansion developments, and more here.

Sound Transit will continue seeking authority for robust regional transit expansion plan

Publish Date
Body

Statements in response to the Senate's adoption of a transportation package

The chair and vice chairs of the Sound Transit Board issued the following statements today following the Washington State Senate's passage of a transportation package that includes partial funding authority needed for regional voters to consider a comprehensive Sound Transit 3 ballot measure. 

Sound Transit Board Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine

"I am pleased the Senate bill includes authority to expand light rail in the Central Puget Sound region. It remains critical that the Legislature provide Sound Transit the full funding authority it has requested. The current legislation caps funding at a level that could jeopardize the ability to connect major population centers with light rail."​  

Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland

"From Tacoma to Everett and everywhere between, congestion-weary business owners and commuters understand the importance of increasing our transportation capacity. We applaud the Senate for taking the first step to address these critical needs, and urge legislators to provide Sound Transit's full authority request. By expanding transit options, we will move more people, encourage employers to locate and expand here, and create thousands of construction jobs."  

Sound Transit Board Vice Chair and Everett City Council Member Paul Roberts

"The Central Puget Sound region is among the fastest growing areas in the nation and one of the nation's most significant manufacturing centers. Rising congestion threatens our ability to compete on a global scale. We appreciate the Senate's action as a first step toward providing the level of regional authority needed to extend the light rail spine to Paine Field and Everett, Tacoma and downtown Redmond while also serving Seattle's growing needs."