Local activist organization Rethinkthelink.org (RTTL) which has been opposing the West Seattle Link extension  (WSLE) by Sound Transit for the last two years has responded to the official Final EIS with its own independent environmental impact statement (EIS) on the WSLE light rail project, prepared by Rethink the Link and Regional Transit Colleagues.

The estimated cost of the project has ballooned from the voter approved $1.7 billion in 2016 to top out at $7.1 billion in Sound Transit's FEIS officially published on Sept. 20. Those costs in fact were the subject of a motion in the Sound Transit Board Meeting held on Thursday, directing the CEO of Sound Transit to "develop a workplan on measures the agency will pursue to address rising project costs and inform future baselining decisions on the West Seattle Link Extension project." The board adopted the motion.

You can download the full RTTL statement here.

Key Findings:

• Reduced Transit Efficiency: The WSLE is unlikely to improve overall transit service in the West Seattle-Downtown corridor. Travel times may actually increase due to transfers and potential bus route changes.
• High Costs and Low Ridership: The project's estimated cost of $6-$7 billion is significantly higher than the original ST3 projection of $1.7 billion. Ridership forecasts have also been steadily reduced, with the final EIS projecting only 26,000-28,000 daily riders – potentially fewer than current bus ridership.
• Negative Environmental Impact: Construction of the WSLE, particularly the long bridge over the Duwamish River, could have significant environmental consequences. This includes deforestation, habitat loss, and increased carbon emissions during construction. The long payback period for mitigating construction carbon makes the project less attractive from a climate perspective.
• Equity Concerns: The project is unlikely to improve access for residents in underserved areas of West Seattle. Additionally, construction could exacerbate existing food deserts and displace residents and businesses.

Recommendations:

• The Sound Transit Board should consider the No Build option, which is a legal and responsible alternative under federal and state law.
• Investments in other transit options, such as improving bus service and electrification, could offer a better cost-benefit ratio and lower environmental impact.

Background:

• The WSLE was part of the ST3 light rail expansion plan approved by voters in 2016. However, the project has faced criticism due to rising costs, concerns about ridership, and potential environmental damage.
• The independent EIS by RTTL provides a different perspective on the project's potential benefits and drawbacks compared to Sound Transit's official environmental review process.

Overall, the independent EIS raises serious questions about the viability of the WSLE project. The high cost, low ridership projections, and potential environmental damage suggest that Sound Transit should seriously consider alternative approaches to improving public transit in West Seattle.