[nfbwatlk] FW: Sound Transit CEO Report

Sat May 2 05:01:27 UTC 2009

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From: Sound Transit [mailto:soundtransit at govdelivery.com] 
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 2:09 PM
To: lawnmower84 at hotmail.com
Subject: Sound Transit CEO Report

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CEO Report 

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>From Joni Earl 

May 1, 2009  

In this edition 

*	FTA Quarterly 

*	Legislative session wraps up 

*	Photo of the week 

*	Take Sounder Home Run Service to the Mariners 

FTA Quarterly 

We held our 43rd Quarterly Meeting with the Federal Transit Administration
on Wednesday.  With the start of Link light rail service in July, this
meeting primarily focused on our start-up activities.  Hopefully, you have
seen our trains out testing on the alignment and notice our focus on safety
and public awareness. 

FTA, as a funding partner on the project, monitors our construction
schedule, our testing activities, our safety and security focus, and all
things tied to our readiness for opening the light rail system to passenger
service beginning July 18. 

We also discussed the University Link project and current construction
activities and project progress.  

FTA Region X Administrator Rick Krochalis briefed us on the status of
federal stimulus dollars for transit, something in which we have an obvious
interest. As I have previously reported, Sound Transit is experiencing
similar lower-than-expected sales tax revenues as a result of the economic
recession. 

The agency is looking hard for ways to both control costs and find
additional funding, perhaps including federal economic stimulus dollars.
This year's budget includes a five percent reduction in non-salaried staff,
freezes non-essential travel and equipment purchases, and heightens the
review of filling new and open positions. As we continue to move ahead with
Sound Transit 2 projects in the months and years ahead, we'll also develop
specific plans and strategies to deal with declining revenue numbers. 

Legislative session wraps up 

The recently completed legislative session was a good one for Sound Transit.
Here are the highlights from Olympia: 

Interstate 90 center roadway:  A budget proviso was passed that requires
that an independent analysis of the value of the center roadway reversible
lanes on I-90 be conducted and completed by Nov. 1, with funding of $300,000
for the consultant's work.  Final negotiations for an agreement between ST
and WSDOT are to be completed by Dec. 1. These efforts are collaborative
between ST and the state. 

Setting the stage for light rail on I-90:  The Legislature committed to the
timely completion of the R8A project to build two-way HOV lanes in the outer
roadway of I-90, which is required prior to conversion of the center roadway
for light rail service between Seattle and the Eastside. The Legislature
advanced $10.6 million of the remaining share of state funding for
preliminary engineering on the project. 

Regional mobility grant:  In competition for a smaller amount of grant
funds, Sound Transit was pleased to be awarded $8 million for the Sounder
D-to-M Street project in Tacoma. This future track and signal project will
build a new 1.2-mile section of rail connecting Tacoma Dome Station to the
rest of the rail corridor, including a rail overpass spanning Pacific Avenue
in downtown Tacoma. This construction must occur in order to bring Sounder
commuter rail service to South Tacoma and Lakewood.  Final design is
underway, while the project partners continue to pursue dollars for full
funding. 

The Legislature also passed two bills that Sound Transit proactively
supported. HB 1225 clarifies that Sound Transit is exempt from state special
fuel tax, while SB 5513, which was signed by Governor Gregoire this week,
allows us to conduct fare inspection on rail platforms as well as aboard
trains. 

I would like to thank House Transportation Chair Judy Clibborn and Rep.
Geoff Simpson for working closely with us on the I-90 funding and budget
proviso.  

Photo of the week 

A great example of a partnership project with benefits that go far beyond
its parts is the  <http://www.soundtransit.org/x78.xml> KWA Senior City now
under construction in Federal Way. 

Take Sounder Home Run Service to the Mariners 

Mariners fans headed out to see Sunday's game against the Oakland A's can
take Sounder and avoid the headaches of driving and parking. Sounder leaves
from Tacoma at 11 a.m. and will pick up fans in Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn,
Kent and Tukwila on the way to King Street Station, a short walk from Safeco
Field. Sounder also leaves from Everett at 11:15 a.m., stopping in Mukilteo
and Edmonds on the way to Seattle.  Return trains leave King Street Station
35 minutes after the game ends.  For more information, visit
www.soundtransit.org/mariners. 

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