Seattle’s Sound Transit announced that it is looking for public comment on its Draft Environmental impact Statement for the Everett Link Extension.
In coordination with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Sound Transit recently published the EIS. Its publication triggers a public comment period through Nov. 2.
“Release of the Draft EIS is an important milestone for Everett Link and for the future of Snohomish County. This project is about more than building light rail. It’s about connecting people to jobs, education, housing, and opportunity, while completing the regional spine that voters approved. We’re already seeing how light rail is shaping our region through the connections and opportunities created by Lynnwood Link, as well as the growth and investments happening around our transit system,” Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers said. “Everett Link builds on that momentum and brings us one step closer to delivering light rail to downtown Everett. There’s still important work ahead. I encourage residents, businesses, and community leaders across Snohomish County to review the Draft EIS, provide public comments, and make their voices heard. The decisions we make will shape how this project serves our communities for generations to come.”
The public’s input will help the transit agency shape the expansion of regional, high-capacity transit from Lynnwood to Everett. After the public comment period ends, the Sound Transit Board will consider the input, then develop preferred alternatives, if necessary.
“This is an exciting step forward in bringing light rail to Everett, and I encourage everyone in our community to weigh in and have their voice heard,” Sound Transit Board Member Cassie Franklin said. “Everett is a major job center, and connecting our community to the regional light rail system will create new opportunities for people to get to work, school and the places they need to go. The Draft EIS gives us a much clearer picture of the benefits, impacts and tradeoffs of the different alternatives. It’s important that we hear directly from the people, businesses and neighborhoods that could be affected as we work toward the best path forward for Everett and our region.”
The agency will also hold a number of hearings for the public to weigh in on the Draft EIS. Those hearings are listed on the agency’s website.