The January 25 community forum on the West Seattle Light Rail extension being promoted by RethinkTheLink.org, coming as it does so late in the process, still hopes to clarify the issues with the project from "scope and impacts" to the most likely route map to their reasoning why bus rapid transit remains the more flexible and financially reasonable option.

Sound Transit board chair Dow Constatine recently expressed optimism about the project and since the board has now approved the "project to be built" it's up to the Federal Transit Authority to pass final approval. 

The likelihood of the new Secretary of Transportation (former congressman Sean Duffy) approving a light rail project in Seattle depends on several factors, including the project's alignment with federal transportation priorities, its potential impact on the community, and the level of local support.

Given that Seattle voters recently approved a $1.55 billion transportation levy to fund various transportation improvements, including light rail expansions, there is strong local backing for such projects. This local support, combined with the city's commitment to improving transit infrastructure, could positively influence the Secretary's decision.

However, it's important to note that federal approval also depends on broader national transportation policies and funding availability. The new Secretary will likely consider these factors when making a decision.He has a history of opposing light rail projects. According to the Rail Passengers Association, he consistently took anti-passenger rail positions on fourteen recorded votes, including those targeting Amtrak and other passenger rail initiatives

RethinkTheLink.org outlined what the event will cover.

"Our mission is to inform the West Seattle community of the scope and impacts of Sound Transit’s light rail project.  The information given to folks at various “outreach” events- and  found in both the 2022 Draft EIS and in  Sound Transit’s Final EIS (released September 20, 2024, - is often incomplete, inaccurate, vague, or non-existent.   

The West Seattle Community Transit/ Light Rail Forum will include 
    (1) a complete and detailed map of the entire route!  (All segments will have the same scale and north orientation!)
    (2) a list of all residences and businesses that have been notified of potential eminent domain.
    (3) a map of the Delridge, Avalon, and Alaska Junction stations WITH list of businesses and residences that will be demolished
    (4) a street map of traffic detours during construction, e.g., the closure of Alaska forcing all traffic to be moved to Oregon and Edmunds
    (5) a map of our current bus routes, and routes that Metro has cut 
        Our experts can talk about how easily and inexpensively we can give ALL of West Seattle better transit without light rail 
    (6) a list of the 13 food sources that will be eliminated (causing a ‘food desert” from Delridge to WS Junction
        

The  Sound Transit premise that, “In 2016 the voters gave sound Transit a mandate to build light rail to West Seattle”, will be high-lighted as FALSE!  53% ? is NOT a mandate.  And people voted for better transit - NOT specifically for light rail.  We are told this, however, at every meeting I have attending over the past three years.

We will reinforce the fact that we can be “pro”-mass transit AND against transit that destroys a community instead of serving it.

We will briefly explain what an EIS is, why it is important to comment on the FEIS, and how to do so."

This forum will include:

• A detailed map of the West Seattle light rail route, including the Delridge, Avalon and Alaska Junction stations.
• A list of residences and businesses potentially affected by eminent domain or possible removal.
• Environmental areas to be affected, including the Duwamish crossing, Longfellow Creek and Pigeon Point.
• A map of current bus routes, including routes Metro has already cut.
• Discussion of how current transportation solutions already outperform what light rail promises—and don’t cost $7 billion.
• Ways to improve West Seattle transportation using a fraction of this money.

Sound Transit released details of its plan in its final EIS that came out in late September. The agency has not been transparent about these impacts, and the forum is meant to better educate residents what is being proposed.

Quick Facts:

• The project has ballooned in costs from $2 to more than $7 billion. 
• Sound Transit is still saying this extension could be built by 2032.
• Dow Constantine, a West Seattle resident, is the former chair of Sound Transit’s board.
• Executive Constantine, Mayor Harrell and a number of King County and Seattle City Councilmembers have been invited.

The event is January 25 from 10am to !2 Noon at the Center for Active Living in the West Seattle Junction 4217 SW Oregon Street.