Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson reacted strongly to approaches put forth by Sound Transit to resolve the agency’s financial shortfall which could delay or eliminate the Ballard and West Seattle Link Extensions.
Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson:
“As a board member and transit rider, I’m disappointed at the alternatives before us today. Ten years ago, voters across the region cast their ballots for the boldest transit expansion in the nation. I’m committed to keeping West Seattle on track and finding creative solutions for Ballard so we can deliver on that promise. I appreciate the hard work of the planners and engineers at Sound Transit to identify these approaches, and I know we can do better.
Seattle has taken numerous steps to speed permitting, waive unnecessary reviews, and welcome new development in order to get light rail built faster, better, and to serve more people. I look forward to partnering creatively with my fellow board members, Sound Transit staff, and our partners in local government and the state legislature to find more ways to lower costs and speed up delivery of the comprehensive regional light rail system we need.
Today’s approaches are a starting point, not a decision point. I remain committed to deliver what voters want, expect, and have been paying for — light rail service from West Seattle to Ballard and beyond.”