Somers Proposal Keeps Rail to Everett and Tacoma On Track, Stops Short of Ballard

Sound Transit board chair Dave Somers proposed a plan to address the agency’s revenue shortfall by prioritizing light rail to Everett and Tacoma while deferring other projects from the 2016 ST3 plan. The proposal would advance West Seattle Link but delay the South Kirkland-Issaquah line to 2050 and stop Ballard Link at Seattle Center, leaving key neighborhoods without rail service. The 18-member Sound Transit Board must vote on a final plan by May 28, with Burien-area projects like the Boeing Access Road infill station also facing deferrals without a completion date.