Creative funding to keep the Eastside rail corridor whole

USE of the voter-approved Conservation Futures Levy to buy King County's 25-mile portion of the BNSF Eastside rail corridor is a creative, even aggressive, effort to keep valuable open space in public ownership.

Preservation of the corridor for future recreational and transportation options fits with the intent of the conservation levy and properly looks ahead to its development for cyclists and rail commuters.

As planned, and subject to approval by the Metropolitan King County Council, bonds would be sold and paid for with proceeds of the property-tax levy. The county already has lists of open-space projects that look to the fund for 2010, so the corridor would be in line for 2011.

Acquiring the 25-mile section of the 42-mile corridor would cost $26 million and substantially commit future levy proceeds. Terry Lavender, chair of the Conservation Futures citizen advisory committee, has endorsed the purchase and the funding approach.

With an eye toward reselling portions, the Port of Seattle is buying from BNSF the length of the rail line that connects Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Redmond and Snohomish. The rail line would continue to carry freight between Woodinville and Snohomish.

To the south, Sound Transit is looking at a Seattle-Bellevue-Redmond light rail line. Redmond is considering a Redmond-to-Woodinville spur and two utilities are looking at buying utility easements. King County would purchase and retain the largest portion.

Cyclists expect a bike trail will eventually run the length of the corridor, but an initial phase could link Renton and Bellevue. Cascade Bicycle Club is on board and enthusiastic about recreational use along all 42 miles.

Keeping the corridor whole for future Eastside transportation is an essential starting point. Given what is preserved and protected — opportunities, open space and trails — makes this a good use of the futures levy.