Sound Transit board divided on ballot measure

Sound Transit planners released a proposal Thursday for a fall ballot measure to extend light rail to Lynnwood and Federal Way in 15 years.

However, some members of the agency's own governing board are opposed or skeptical. Instead of focusing almost entirely on light rail, some on the board want more bus rapid transit, added quickly to give commuters relief from rising gas prices. Others want to see financial details, due next week.

So, the board might fail to unite on a plan in time to meet the Aug. 12 deadline to file for the November election.

To reach the ballot requires 12 yes votes from the 18-member board — and the agency really needs more to prevent acrimony that might cripple a campaign. If members voted today, there seem to be 11 who are strongly or leaning yes.

Thursday's 15-year, $15 billion scenario offers 34 new miles of light rail, to reach the Eastside's Overlake area by 2021, South 272nd Street in north Federal Way by 2023, and the Lynnwood Transit Center by 2023. Some bus-service improvements, park-and-ride expansions and a major boost in south-end commuter trains are also included.

Board Chairman Greg Nickels, the Seattle mayor, said in a statement: "It responds to the loud-and-clear call we've heard for major mass-transit expansions, while maintaining faster completion dates and a lower price tag than last year's package."

If voters in urban Snohomish, King and Pierce counties approve more transit this year, sales taxes would increase a nickel per $10 purchase.

Last fall, voters rejected a combined $38 billion, 20-year roads-and-transit proposition. In response, a transit-only measure is being considered. Sound Transit initially suggested a leaner 12-year concept, but it was denounced by three transit-board members from Snohomish County, because the tracks stopped at Northgate.

To reach Lynnwood and north Federal Way or Redondo, officials would need to add three years of construction, while canceling expansions at Ash Way, Mariner and Everett park-and-rides in Snohomish County.

The Sierra Club, which campaigned against last year's measure, backs the new version. "Gas is approaching $5 a gallon. Simultaneously, global warming has reached a critical point ... " said local chairman Mike O'Brien.

But state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond said such urgency is why she believes the plan fails to meet public demand for transit options, right away. "I want to see more bus service," she said in an interview.

A swing voter on the Sound Transit board is Metropolitan King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, a Republican from Federal Way. He said the new goal of reaching South 272nd Street in Federal Way is an improvement, but he wants to see the finance plan.

Another board member, Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg, said he's undecided. Though places such as Sumner would gain more Sounder commuter trains, the Tacoma-to-Federal Way corridor would still miss out on light rail. "It doesn't do a lot for all of Pierce County, and you've got to ask all the voters to vote yes," he said.

A key player is Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, who has demanded a Lynnwood station. He said Thursday he's not convinced yet to vote yes, because he believes the sales-tax boost ought to buy much more service.

Light rail will open late next year from downtown Seattle to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and is scheduled to reach Husky Stadium by 2016.

Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com