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Sound Transit, City of Seattle host open house on future options for rail transit between Ballard and downtown Seattle

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Seeking input on potential routes, station locations

Sound Transit and the City of Seattle kick off the Ballard to downtown Seattle high capacity transit expansion study with an open house at Ballard High School next week.

The study will support the City of Seattle's Transit Master Plan and help inform updates to Sound Transit's long range plans for mass transit priorities.

"This study will allow Seattle to move forward in its work on rail transit, connecting neighborhoods and providing faster and more reliable transportation," said Sound Transit Board member and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.

Construction of any future transit extensions would be subject to Sound Transit and City policy decisions and identification of funding sources. Voter approval is required for potential Sound Transit investments.

"It is essential that the great and growing community of Ballard gets the transit connections that it deserves and needs, especially with the new development that is straining existing transportation choices," said Sound Transit Board member and Seattle City Councilmember Richard Conlin. "I am so pleased that I got to combine my role on the Sound Transit Board and as Chair of the Council's Planning and Land Use Committee to help broker a fabulous partnership between Seattle and Sound Transit!"

The study is seeking public input on potential routes, station locations, travel patterns and other concerns about building new rail options between Ballard and downtown.

"Ballard's rapid growth is challenging our ability to keep up with the demand for transit.  We need to build on the success of RapidRide and other recent transit improvements, be ready to leverage future regional funding opportunities and deliver on the long-held promise of HCT connections between Ballard and Downtown," said Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.

The study will incorporate current and predicted housing, employment and land use factors to help develop general ridership and cost estimates for the corridor. The work is scheduled to be complete in early 2014.

Those unable to attend the meeting can offer feedback online through the project website between March 11 and March 15 at:

www.soundtransit.org/ballardstudy

Open House details:

Tuesday, March 12, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Remarks at 5:45 p.m.
Ballard High School Commons
1418 NW 65th St, Seattle