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Dive Brief:
- The Sound Traffic Board has adopted a Updated ST3 system plan which aims to keep major transit construction projects in Washington state on track 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 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 built, as well as those that will be deferred until additional funding becomes available, the release said.
Diving knowledge:
The news comes as Sound Transit works to slow the escalating costs of its voter-approved ST3 capital program. The total cost of the initiative has increased substantially to $185 billion in recent years.
The updated plan identifies projects the agency says remain affordable with existing resources and separates them from projects that require additional funding or will face postponement. Sound Transit officials said the agency incorporated cost-saving measures and updated financial policies as part of the effort to create a sustainable path.
“This resolution reflects both realism and optimism,” said Sound Transit Board Chairman and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “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 make further progress on the ST3 vision as economic conditions improve and new opportunities arise.”
The council identified 13 projects still affordable with existing resources, including:
- Tacoma Dome Access Improvements.
- West Seattle Link Extension.
- Renton Transit Center parking lot.
- Tacoma Dome Link Extension.
- Everett Link Extension, Phase 1.
- Everett Link Extension, Phase 2.
- Ballard Link Extension, initial segment at Seattle Center.
- TCC Tacoma Link Extension.
- South Kirkland – Issaquah Link.
- South Operations and Maintenance Center link.
- North operations and maintenance facility link.
- Graham Street Station.
- Siren maintenance base.
Along with these 13 approved projects, the board also listed seven other projects that are partially funded and will be completed through planning and design.
In addition, the board earmarked five projects that are not currently affordable with existing resources, but for which the agency will continue to seek additional funding. Ten projects will be deferred until resources are subsequently identified.
The board also directed staff to develop an adaptive program management plan and project execution 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 of project risks, according to the release.
