 Photo: Sound Transit
Yesterday, the Sound Transit Board of Directors voted on a key milestone for the agency's West Seattle to Ballard Link light rail extension. This is the largest transit expansion and arguably Sound Transit's most complex light rail project in its history, to be built after East Link and other ST2 projects are complete.
The decisions we on the Sound Transit Board of Directors make for this project in Seattle will affect how people get around our entire region for generations. Notably, where we place light rail stations in or near Seattle's Chinatown International District (CID), will impact how riders from all over the area make connections, including how Eastside riders connect to Sea-Tac airport and other destinations. Because the CID is one of the most culturally and historically significant neighborhoods in the Northwest, we need to be careful and thoughtful about the benefits and impacts to the immediate area as we move forward with our transit expansion.
I'm glad the board agreed with my proposal to advance a shallower station on 4th Avenue South, between the existing International District/Chinatown light rail station and the Sounder and Amtrak rail at King Street Station. Locating a second light rail station here would allow for quick and easy transfers for travelers from all over the system to many other destinations. My amendment also requires that the agency study ways to shorten the length and limit the impacts of construction.
To be clear, this option still carries big questions relating to cost, construction risk and local impacts. For these reasons, the Board advanced a “preferred alternative” that puts stations north and south of this area, outside the CID. But because of yesterday’s votes, both options will come back to the board in the future for a final decision on the project to be built.
A second amendment I proposed would have improved regional connections in the event we do ultimately select the North and South of CID option. This amendment did not succeed, but I will continue to explore opportunities that serve Eastside and regional riders moving forward.
Where do you want your garbage to go?
 The Solid Waste Division is considering locations for the new Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station (NERTS), which will replace the current Houghton Transfer Station with a new, modern facility. They are inviting the public to comment on the revised scope of the environmental review they will go through before siting the facility. The scope has been revised since they removed the Houghton Park and Ride from consideration after receiving new information about development that the Washington State Department of Transportation is planning for a portion of the site, which will make the remaining portion too small to use.
The Solid Waste Division will now focus on evaluating the two remaining site alternatives, a 12.9-acre site in the 15000 block of Woodinville-Redmond Rd. NE in Woodinville and the current Houghton Transfer Station Property in Kirkland, as well as a no-action alternative. Comments on the revised scope will be accepted by email at northeast@kingcounty.gov or at kingcounty.gov/northeast until April 10.
 Hopelink offers a variety of services to Eastside residents and two programs are now open for applications. If you are an immigrant or refugee preparing to work in the United States, the English for Work program offers help to improve English language skills, learn about resumes and interviewing, and participate in career advising and practice job interviews.
If you need a GED or high school diploma to help you take the next steps in your career, the GED/High School+ program provides GED exam prep, scholarships to pay for exams, one-on-one tutoring, and college and career planning. Both of these programs are free, but sign up soon!
Spread the word!
Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
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