The full Sound Transit Commission will take a final vote on May 28.
Seattle — Light rail service to Seattle Ballard The community is in danger as Sound Transit tries to close a $34 billion budget gap.
The Sound Transit Executive Committee discussed a resolution Thursday that noted the agency’s long-term financial plan does not currently fund the extension. The Ballard expansion project was initially estimated to cost $11.2 billion, but has since increased to more than $20 billion.
According to the resolution, Phases 1 and 2 of the West Seattle expansion everett The Tacoma Dome, expansion of Tacoma Community College and the South Kirkland to Issaquah connection are all being funded, according to information released Thursday. The section to Seattle Center, part of the original Ballard Line, also received funding.
The full Sound Transit Commission will take a final vote on May 28.
Also at risk are the Boeing Channel Connector fill station, the Graham Street Connector fill station and the remainder of the DuPont extension.
Other projects include Tacoma Dome Link Parking and Everett Link Parking Lotwas determined by the committee to not be currently funded, but may return to the agency’s construction program if more funds become available.
Sound Transit faces a $34.5 billion funding gap, threatening major light rail expansion projects.
When the deficit was revealed, Sound Transit acknowledged that “if the agency does nothing to address these rising costs, coupled with lower revenue forecasts, completing Sound Transit’s expansion plans will become unaffordable.”
Earlier this month, Sound Transit Chief Financial Officer Hughey Newsome said the agency had identified $11 billion to $13 billion in capital cost cuts and improvements in delivery efficiency.
Other proposed changes include delaying the South Kirkland to Issaquah project until 2050 and discontinuing Sounder North service in 2033. Officials said the changes are intended to help other voter-approved projects move forward.
