Image: VeloBusDriver
Some exciting news for Puget Sound region transit plans. The Federal Transit Administration has offered grants to multiple public transportation projects currently underway. Sound Transit's light-rail extension from Northgate to Lynnwood is in line for $125 million as part of an eventual $1.1 billion grant, which could also free up money to get started on other line extensions. The First Avenue streetcar is in line for a $75 million federal grant, though the city will still need another $60 million to complete the project that would run from McGraw Square to Pioneer Square. Finally, there are $43 million in grants earmarked for Community Transit's Swift 2 bus-rapid transit line, which would connect Bothell, Mill Creek and Everett's Paine Field. The grants still face approval from Congress but could end up having a huge impact on the region's ability to step forward into the transportation future.
· Feds offer big grants for Puget Sound-area transit projects [ST]
· SDOT says federal money for 1st Ave line won't change Broadway streetcar extension plan [CHS]
· Proposed federal grant: $1.1 billion for Lynnwood light rail [HN]