In an effort to finalize extension funding for the Federal Way Link Extension project, the Washington Democratic congressional delegation has written Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, urging approval for the light rail effort.
The project concerns Washington’s Puget Sound, where Sound Transit is attempting to institute a high-capacity transit system. It is estimated that, if built, it could provide as many as 40,700 daily trips and save on commuting times throughout the area. To achieve this, the lawmakers desire a Capital Investment Grant (CIG), Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA), and a TIFIA loan — the latter of which hangs on approval of the FFGA by year’s end. The CIG Program is the primary federal grant means of supporting transit investments in rapid rail, light rail, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, and ferries.
“Puget Sound voters approved ballot measures in 1996, 2008 and most recently in 2016 to build a regional high-capacity transit system,” the lawmakers wrote. “As that system comes online, our constituents are consistently choosing Sound Transit’s alternatives to escape gridlock and traffic, and the Puget Sound region continues to boast the nation’s fastest-growing transit ridership. As Sound Transit continues striving to establish effective high-capacity transit options, the Federal Way Link Extension project is a crucial next step in decreasing commute times and reducing traffic congestion throughout the Puget Sound region.”
U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined U.S. Reps. Adam Smith (D-WA), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Denny Heck (D-WA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) in writing the letter. Last year, they won similar approval for the Lynnwood Link Extension Project, which extended light rail to Snohomish County. This latest effort would expand light rail from Angle Lake, Washington, to Federal Way, Washington.
The federal share of this expansion would be 25 percent. In all, the project is expected to cost $3.161 billion.