Projects in the central Puget Sound area that will require additional funding include the West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma Dome, Everett extensions, and more.
SEATTLE — Sound Transit is facing a shortfall of $22 billion to $30 billion for major expansion work in the central Puget Sound area, the agency’s board of directors were told Thursday.
That’s a hefty increase in the budget shortfall compared to 2021, when a realignment plan was announced that included the agency showing a $6 billion shortfall.
Now, the agency needs billions more to complete its Sound Transit 3 (ST3) light rail projects. Those include extensions to West Seattle, Ballard, the Tacoma Dome, Tacoma Community College, Everett and South Kirkland-Issaquah, according to a presentation to the board of directors. The infill stations at Graham Street and Boeing Access Road are also under the ST3 umbrella of projects.
The shortfall “represents conservative and unmitigated cost estimates before any cost savings opportunities are applied,” according to the presentation.
The increase cost estimates stem from cost growth since 2021. The increases, according to the information presented during the board meeting, are mainly due to inflation, complex project delivery, tariffs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, increased scope and the purchase or lease of real estate.
An “Enterprise Initiative” was introduced Thursday as the agency looks at ways to reduce costs while trying to deliver on the promises of ST3. A cost savings work plan update will be given in September.
Voters approved ST3 in 2016. The $54 billion measure was expected to cost an average adult $169 in tax increases, according to Sound Transit at the time. ST3 passed in King and Snohomish counties with 58% and 52% of ballots cast for the initiative, respectively. Pierce County rejected the measure with 56% of ballots cast in opposition.
