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"Making Tracks in Tacoma"-Tacoma Link Rail Placement Ceremony

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On December 11, 2001, officials from Sound Transit, Pierce Transit and the City of Tacoma will celebrate an important milestone in the construction of Tacoma Link-the laying of track for Tacoma's one-point-six mile light rail system.

Crews have recently begun laying the first sections of track along East 25th Street. During the December 11 ceremony, a machine will actually fit a small section of track into place. The Tacoma line has been under construction for months, with the maintenance base at 802 East 25th Street under construction since January.

"This is an incredibly important moment in the evolution of Sound Transit's regional system," Sound Transit Board Chairman Dave Earling said. "Along with last month's Board decision to authorize construction for the initial segment of King County's Central Link light rail system-and the Board's determination to extend that system south and north-this milestone symbolizes the ultimate goal of creating a seamless transit system for the entire Puget Sound community."

Tacoma Link will connect the city's vibrant downtown with the multi-modal transit hub at the Tacoma Dome Station. Scheduled to begin service in 2003, Tacoma Link will provide a new, reliable and free means of getting from downtown to virtually every other mode of regional transit, including Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail and ST Express regional bus service, as well as intercity passenger rail and bus service and Pierce Transit buses.

Scheduled speakers include: Master of ceremonies, Dave Earling*; Ruth Fisher, State Representative; John Ladenburg, Pierce County Executive*; Kevin Phelps, Tacoma Deputy Mayor*; Keith Stone, Dome District President; and Phyllis Harrison, Downtown Merchants Group President.

WHAT: Tacoma Link Rail Placement Ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday December 11, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Parking lot off Puyallup Ave. between E. 'A' St. and E. 'C' St. under I-705 overpass

Sound Transit was created by voters in 1996 to provide Sounder commuter rail, ST Express regional bus, and Link light rail services in the central Puget Sound area.


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