KENT, Wash. — Sound Transit will receive a $790 million grant and $639 million low-interest loan to extend its light rail system from SeaTac to Federal Way, Wash. Construction is slated to begin in 2020.
The federal funds will provide about 25% of the money needed for the estimated $3.1 billion project. Other funding will come through Sound Transit tax revenues, bond proceeds, and a loan to be repaid by the transit agency’s tax revenues. The 7.8-mile extension, to serve three intermediate stations en route to the Federal Way Transit Center, is expected to open in late 2024.
“Securing this federal funding enables us to fulfill our promise of delivering regional light rail to the residents of South King County,” Sound Transit Board Chair and Redmond Mayor John Marchione said in a news release. “The tireless advocacy of our congressional delegation was instrumental in completing this vital step to transform people’s commutes and build a more prosperous future for the region.”
