President's budget includes $125 million for Lynnwood Link

From Sound Transit

The proposed FY 2017 Budget released Tuesday by President Barack Obama includes the first $125 million installment of a potential $1.1 billion federal grant for the Sound Transit Lynnwood Link light rail extension through Shoreline.

The Federal Transit Administration also approved moving forward with final engineering work on the extension and gave the project its second-highest possible rating under its competitive grant process. Sound Transit is seeking up to a $1.1 billion grant through the FTA New Starts program.

“Thanks to President Obama including funding in his transportation package for Lynnwood Link, we are an important step closer to offering a 28-minute ride from Lynnwood to downtown Seattle, regardless of traffic or weather,” said Sound Transit Chair and King County Executive Dow Constantine. 

“I appreciate the President, Sen. Patty Murray and other members of our congressional delegation for demonstrating the leadership needed to fund regional transit.”

Federal partnerships are key to delivering the regional high capacity transit system and the FTA New Starts program has been a significant source of funding for light rail.

The President’s budget proposal is subject to congressional approval. As final engineering work advances, Sound Transit will continue to work toward FTA approval and execution of the grant in 2017.