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Conference committee chaired by Sen. Patty Murray approves $31.1 million for Sound Transit

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A Congressional conference committee, chaired by U.S. Senator Patty Murray, today approved $31.1 million for Sound Transit. Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Earling applauded the announcement and thanked Murray for her work.

"Senator Murray has shown tremendous leadership in securing these funds," Earling said. "This gives Sound Transit a boost in delivering alternatives to congestion, including express buses, commuter rail, and more park and ride lots.

"We're also grateful to other members of our state's delegation, including Reps. Jennifer Dunn and Norm Dicks for their work in getting these funds through."

The funds are contained in the Congressional conference agreement on the FY 2002 transportation appropriations bill. The conference report now goes to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate for final passage, and then to the President for his signature.

The federal funds to be provided to Sound Transit include:

    • $20 million for Sounder commuter rail service
    • $1.6 million for the Bellevue Transit Center (a groundbreaking ceremony was held on Oct. 26; it will open in June 2002)
    • $9.5 million for Regional Express bus service and capital projects

Sound Transit was created by voters in 1996 to provide a regional system of transit improvements, including Sounder commuter rail, ST Express regional bus service, numerous capital improvements (including park and rides, transit centers and direct access ramps) and Link light rail.


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