Council Approves Agreement for Rail and Trail on Eastside BNSF Corridor

The King County Council unanimously approved a historic agreement with the Port of Seattle that will bring the BNSF Eastside Rail Corridor into public ownership.  Under the agreement, the Port of Seattle will pay $107 million to BNSF Railway to acquire the 42-mile Eastside Rail Corridor, and King County will pay the Port $1.9 million for a 26-mile trail easement that runs from Renton to Woodinville and includes the segment known as the “Redmond Spur.” The existing railroad tracks will remain in place while the public weighs in about the best use for the corridor. Read more. 

County to Explore Electric Vehicle Plug-In Stations at Park and Rides

In a move to reduce the county’s carbon footprint and assist in a new wave of transportation options, the King County Council requested a study on ways King County can provide charging stations for the next generation of hybrids called Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The study will look at the potential of turning county park and rides into "plug and rides" with installation of electric hybrid vehicle charging stations. Read more.

Read Councilmember Phillips' op-ed on global warming.

Council Advocates for Rebid of Federal Tanker Contract

The King County Council joined local elected leaders across Washington state to oppose the award of a major Air Force contract for aerial refueling tankers to the European-based Airbus consortium. It is estimated that, if awarded to the Puget Sound-based Boeing Company, the $35 billion contract could have added more than 9,000 family wage jobs and $400 million to the Washington State economy. Read more.

Light Rail Expansion Plans Advance

The Sound Transit Board is looking for public input on plans to reshape the commute in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Citizens will have a chance to comment on the trade offs between two smaller, lower-cost 12-year plans or the larger 20-year transit expansion package included in last year’s Proposition 1. The expansion package, called Sound Transit 2 (ST2) would build 18 to 50 miles of light rail, increase Sounder’s standing-room only commuter rail service, expand express bus service, build a First Hill Link Connector, and construct several transit access improvement projects. Read more. Learn more about ST2.

Send me an email: larry.phillips@kingcounty.gov

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