Good News And Bad News For Funding Transit In Everett

Funding issues could change the timeline for Everett’s projects, Sound Transit said.

Last week there was mixed news for the future of Mass Transit projects in Everett, Washington. On Wednesday, Peter Rogoff, CEO of Sound Transit, briefed Everett City Council on the status of the Sound Transit Light Rail under ST 3, which was approved by voters in 2016.

Rogoff used a PowerPoint presentation to guide the council through projects that are currently funded and in progress, as well as financial challenges that Sound Transit is now facing. You can view the entire presentation to the council at the link below.

ST Update 210421 Everett City Council

Projects that are OK to complete include the extension of the light rail to Lynnwood, which is expected to be completed in 2024. However, the two big projects for Everett face an uncertain future.

The light rail, including stations serving the southwestern industrial estate of Everett and Paine Field that will transition to downtown Everett in 2036, as well as a major maintenance facility for more than 150 light rail vehicles currently slated for 2032, are currently under construction by Sound Transit “Sound Transit” procedure is checked. Realignment “.

Public comments will be accepted through April 30th through a poll that you can take here. The Sound Transit Board will discuss its priorities in May, the realignment plan will be drawn up in June, and the Sound Transit Board is expected to adopt the realignment plans in July.

Regarding the portion of the line moving away from I-5 and over to Paine Field Council, Vogeli asked Rogoff if they could be eliminated. He advised that since these stations were part of the plan presented to voters under ST3 and Sound Transit did not consider it appropriate to remove them. “We want to respect the will of the voters,” said Rogoff.

Regarding the future of Sound Transit’s projects in Everett, MyEverettNews.com reached out to Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, who emailed the following statement.

“Sound Transit’s own estimates show that Everett Link will enjoy high driver counting and serve the Everett residents and workers who really need and will use high capacity Transit. The City of Everett is confident that the Sound Transit Board will understand the importance of completing the 16-mile Everett Link on schedule, and we are grateful that Dave Somers, General Manager of Snohomish County, Lynnwood Mayor Nicola Smith, and Everett Councilor Paul Roberts, our representatives represent the county to ensure our voice is heard. ”

There was some good news for Everett Transit last week when the Puget Sound Regional Council announced that the agency would receive more than $ 8 million in Federal Transit funding. According to the city, these funds will not be used for investments. Rather, they will go towards operating expenses to help Everett Transit recover from lost revenue during COVID-19.