Dive Brief:
- The Sound Transit Board has adopted an updated ST3 system plan that aims to keep major transit construction projects on track in Washington state, despite an estimated $34.5 billion funding gap over the next 20 years, according to a May 28 news release.
- The revised plan fully funds construction of several major projects, including the West Seattle and phases 1 and 2 of the Everett Link extension, according to Sound Transit.
- To address the funding gap, the updated system plan identifies projects that are affordable and can be fully funded and constructed as well as those that will be deferred until additional funding becomes available, according to the release.
Dive Insight:
The news arrives as Sound Transit works to rein in cost escalation across its voter-approved ST3 capital program. The total cost for the initiative has ballooned substantially up to $185 billion in recent years.
The updated plan identifies projects the agency says remain affordable within existing resources and separates them from projects that will require additional funding or face deferral. Sound Transit officials said the agency incorporated cost-saving measures and updated financial policies as part of the effort to create a sustainable path forward.
“This resolution reflects both realism and optimism,” said Dave Somers, Sound Transit board chair and Snohomish County executive. “While the financial challenges facing Sound Transit are significant, this action creates a responsible path forward that keeps critical projects moving, protects the long-term health of the system, and positions us to advance more of the ST3 vision as economic conditions improve and new opportunities emerge.”
The board identified 13 projects still affordable within existing resources, including:
- Tacoma Dome access improvements.
- West Seattle Link extension.
- Renton Transit Center parking garage.
- Tacoma Dome Link extension.
- Everett Link extension, phase 1.
- Everett Link extension, phase 2.
- Ballard Link extension, initial segment to Seattle Center.
- TCC Tacoma Link extension.
- South Kirkland – Issaquah Link.
- Link Operations and Maintenance Facility South.
- Link Operations and Maintenance Facility North.
- Graham Street Station.
- Sounder Maintenance Base.
Along with those 13 approved projects, the board also listed seven other projects that are partially funded and will be completed through planning and design.
On the other end, the board earmarked five projects not currently affordable within existing resources but for which the agency will continue to pursue additional funding. Ten projects will be deferred until resources are later identified.
The board also directed staff to develop an adaptive program management plan and a project delivery framework by the end of 2026. The goal of program management will be to identify and incorporate cost savings in capital projects and keep the board informed about project risks, according to the release.
