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U.S. Senate subcommittee chaired by Sen. Patty Murray approves $35 million for Sound Transit projects

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The U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation today approved its version of the FY2003 transportation spending bill, which includes $35 million for Sound Transit projects in the Central Puget Sound region. Included for funding are Sound Transit's Sounder commuter rail program and several of Sound Transit's Regional Express capital projects.

"Senator Murray has shown tremendous leadership in securing these funds, which will help move people and goods throughout our region. We'll all benefit from the increased mobility," Sound Transit Board Chair Ron Sims said. "Senator Murray's commitment to improving transportation in our state and this region is incredible."

Following are the federal funds for Sound Transit included in the bill:

  • Sounder Commuter Rail-$30 million. The funds would help pay for right of way, equipment and construction to expand Sounder service to operate between Seattle and Everett and Tacoma and Lakewood. These funds would also help with the construction of commuter rail stations in Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, South Tacoma and Lakewood.
  • Regional Express Transit Hubs (Mercer Island, Federal Way, Kirkland, Lynnwood and Lakewood)-$5 million. The funds will support increased park-and-ride capacity, new transit centers and HOV direct access ramps to facilitate efficient access for buses and carpools.

The $35 million for Sound Transit was in addition to significant funding for other transportation improvements that will benefit commuters across the region.

As expected, the Senate bill did not include a funding recommendation for the Central Link light rail project. Sound Transit is currently negotiating a $500 million federal funding agreement for the Initial Segment of the Central Link project.

As Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Murray will continue to play a leadership role as the transportation funding bill moves through the appropriations process this fall.


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