What is realignment and how could it affect this project?
In the face of both reduced revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing real estate and construction costs, the Sound Transit Board is currently undertaking a process called realignment. This process includes assessing how plans and timelines for projects that are not yet in construction, such as the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE), will need to change to address these financial pressures unless we receive alternative revenue from federal or state sources.
A good way to stay updated on realignment and to learn about timing for public engagement is to listen to Sound Transit Board meetings. You can also check out the program realignment webpage for the most current information, or share your thoughts and questions at realignment@soundtransit.org or by calling the realignment hotline at (206) 553-3400. You’ll see this information in Sound Transit’s annual progress report arriving in your mailboxes starting the second week of April. The Board plans to take action on realignment in July.
While the Board navigates realignment, our work on the WSBLE project will continue as planned as we work towards publishing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) later this year for public review and comment. Meanwhile, we will keep the community updated as the realignment process continues.
Learn more about the Realignment Process
Interested in a virtual project update with our team?
If you are a longtime subscriber, you are likely aware that we updated our informational online open house a few months ago with detailed alternative plans and profiles, station maps and information about our updated schedule.
We will continue to use this online open house and other digital tools to engage in conversations with community organizations, property owners and other interested stakeholders about our project, leading up to the release of the Draft EIS later this year.
Note: In addition to English, the site is also translated in Español (Spanish), Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese), 正體字/繁體字 (Traditional Chinese), and 简体字 (Simplified Chinese). Other languages are available via Google Translate, found in the upper right corner of the website.
If you or your community group are interested in meeting with our project team, request a briefing or reach out to a member of our outreach team at wsblink@soundtransit.org or 206-903-7229 to learn more.