Feds Up Contribution To Light Rail Project

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will be providing a huge chunk of financial support for Seattle's light-rail project--to the tune of $813 million. That's about 40% of the total cost, says the math-savvy P-I this morning. Doesn't sound like the extra federal funding, an increase from initial promises, will make the work go any faster; we're still looking at 2016 as a finish date for the main light-rail route from downtown to the UW. Reading all the details about tunneling in different kinds of soil is exciting, though, and reminds us that this is really happening. We're really getting light-rail! 2016 is only seven Christmases away!

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By Katelyn in News on January 16, 2009 9:00 AM

Comments [rss]

Troy Morris

Actually, the tunnel was able to be done in two years for two reasons, only one of which actually matters:

1) The restrictions in City regulation and development made it easier to dig a hole (how many buildings were there?).

but most importantly:

2) The railroad would make money with this tunnel. What we need to do is make ST a for profit business run by some crazy billionaire businessperson to pad their portfolio.

I nominate Will Smith.

Matt

Our train tunnel was built in 2 years, by hand, 105 years ago. I say put down the cupcakes and grab a shovel.

Paul Henry

2016 is only seven Christmases away!

And only 20 years after we voted for it!

Actually, for Seattle, that's pretty good. No complaints here.

Troy Morris

You think if we all bake them goodies they'll work faster?

I think with enough cupcakes, cookies, and muffins we should be able to get it running by 2014.

Matt

It should be noted that this is 40% funding for the U-Link piece of the project. This was part of the first ST package (not the one we just voted on). That being said, it's still great news.