Citizens Have Their First Opportunity to Get Involved in Developing the Region's New Link Light Rail System

Building on years of planning and community discussion, work is now underway on building new light rail transit service for the Central Puget Sound region. Citizens are invited to "get in on the ground floor" of the design and construction process by helping to define the scope of environmental analysis to be done on the Link light rail line. Sound Transit - the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority - is hosting six public meetings in early December to hear from the public about what should and should not be included in the environmental analysis of the central Link light rail line (schedule attached). The central Link system will operate between downtown Seattle, Southeast Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac and north from downtown Seattle to the University District and potentially Northgate.

The meetings begin the design and environmental review process for the Link light rail system. The comments received from the public will help define the extent of review that will be done in preparing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required under state and federal laws. Scoping is the first step in developing an EIS that will assess the probable significant environmental impacts of building and operating a light rail system. The EIS will analyze alternative routes, station sites and related facilities for each segment of the Link light rail line as well as project-level environmental impacts. Copies of Sound Transit's Environmental Scoping Information Report may be obtained by calling 206-398-5000  during normal business hours, or by visiting Sound Transit's world-wide web site.

All meetings will begin with an informal open house at which those attending may learn more about the plans and alternatives and ask questions of Sound Transit staff, followed by a brief presentation and a public discussion. There will be opportunities for the public to present their comments for the record throughout each meeting. Anyone unable to attend may send written comments to:

Perry Weinberg, SEPA Responsible Official
Sound Transit
1100 - 2nd Ave., Suite 500
Seattle WA 98101-3423

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.