The full Sound Transit Board will make a final vote on May 28.
SEATTLE — Light rail service to Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood is in jeopardy as Sound Transit tries to close a $34 billion budget gap.
The Sound Transit Executive Committee discussed a resolution Thursday that states the extension is not currently funded in the agency’s long-range financial plan. The Ballard extension was originally estimated to cost $11.2 billion, but has since grown to more than $20 billion.
Under the resolution, the West Seattle extension, Phase 1 and 2 of the Everett extension and Tacoma Dome, Tacoma Community College extensions and South Kirkland to Issaquah link are funded, according to information presented Thursday. The segment to Seattle Center, which is part of the original Ballard line, is also funded.
The full Sound Transit Board will make a final vote on May 28.
Also in jeopardy is the Boeing Access Road Link infill station, Graham Street Link infill station, and the remainder of the extension to DuPont.
Other projects, including Tacoma Dome Link parking and Everett Link parking, were identified by the committee as not currently being funded, but could be back in the agency’s construction plans if more funding becomes available.
Sound Transit faces a $34.5 billion funding gap that threatens major light rail expansion projects.
When the deficit came to light, Sound Transit admitted “if the agency does nothing to counter these rising costs, combined with lower revenue projections, completing Sound Transit’s expansion program will become unaffordable.”
Earlier this month, Sound Transit Chief Financial Officer Hughey Newsome said the agency has identified between $11 billion and $13 billion in capital cost reductions and delivery efficiencies.
Additional proposed changes include delaying the South Kirkland-to-Issaquah project until 2050 and discontinuing Sounder North service in 2033. Officials said those changes are intended to help keep other voter-approved projects moving forward.
To ensure diverse coverage and expert insight across a wide range of topics, our publication features contributions from multiple staff writers with varied areas of expertise.
