Since voters approved a measure expanding Seattle's light rail network, construction and land costs have soared, adding billions to the projected price tag.
Seattle's Sound Transit agency "has a $6 billion to $8 billion funding shortfall to build nine rail extensions and two bus-rapid transit routes promised in the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 measure," reports Michelle Baruchman. "Consultants this spring found that the deficit resulted from inaccuracies in early cost estimates along with rapid land and construction price increases." As Baruchman wrote in an earlier story, "[c]ost estimates for extending Sound Transit light rail to both Ballard and West Seattle have risen by about $5 billion," amounting to a 50% increase over prior estimates.
While federal aid could help bridge the funding gap, "Sound Transit’s board is considering new construction schedules, known as a 'realignment,' that postpone most opening dates two to 10 years in an attempt to manage tax revenue."
The Seattle Times asks readers to submit their questions about potential delays. "A realignment vote could come Aug. 5."
FULL STORY: What questions do you have about possible Sound Transit 3 delays?
West Seattle Link Expansion Could Cost $7 Billion
Sound Transit is moving forward with a proposed route despite severe cost overruns, throwing other major rail projects into question.
Seattle-Area Light Rail Breaks Ridership Record, Again
Thanks to a new extension and reorganized connecting bus lines, the Link light rail system topped 3 million rides in October.
Seattle Area Developers Target Areas Around Light Rail Extension
The East Link line, which will connect Redmond and Bellevue to Seattle in 2025, is spurring transit-oriented development near future stations.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service