Sound Transit is "off and running" to bring light rail to Sea-Tac International Airport by December 2009, the transit agency's chief told SeaTac lawmakers on Sept. 27.

CEO Joni Earl reported environmental studies have been completed so Sound Transit can begin to acquire property for the 1.7-mile extension to the airport from Tukwila's South 154th Street

Station.

Bringing light rail service to the airport and SeaTac's city center is dependent on the Port of Seattle's enabling projects, according to Earl.

Despite the possibility that the airport may lose Southwest Airlines, "at this point there is no slowdown in the Port's work," Earl noted.

"The public is excited about our partnership with the Port."

Earl added Port and Sound Transit staffers will meet to discuss the projects next month.

The Port operates the airport.

The airport link project has been budgeted at $248 million.

Although, there won't be enough money to extend light rail to South 200th Street during Phase 1 as originally envisioned, the transit agency is planning the expand to South 200th and the Kent-Des Moines Road in Phase 2, she added.

A light rail connection to Burien and expanded bus service to Highline communities are also part of the next phase, Earl said.

"Burien is very actively involved in Phase 2," Earl declared.

The agency's board hopes to put a funding package before voters in November of next year.

Citing population estimates, Earl said the Puget Sound area is expected to have 1.2 million more residents and 45 percent more jobs by 2030. All-day traffic congestion is also forecast.

At the urging of Tukwila officials, Sound Transit staffers looked at adding a light rail spur line to Southcenter, but concluded it would be very expensive.

A light-rail spur line or increased bus service would be the best alternatives for enhanced public transportation around the mall, she said.

The agency currently has no plans to add a light rail station at Boeing Field. Southwest Airlines has not suggested such a move.

Earl added that she expects the light-rail system to extend from Northgate to South 200th Street or Federal Way by 2020.

"It is possible, but questionable" the system could link up with Tacoma by then," she said.