Phillips applauds public acquisition of the Eastside BNSF rail corridor while keeping Boeing Field

After many months of calling for a better plan to acquire the Eastside rail corridor, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips today joined County and Port of Seattle officials to announce a viable solution for securing public ownership of the right-of-way.

“I am pleased to have worked with the Port of Seattle and the King County Executive to find a rational, affordable solution to purchase the right-of-way without giving up Boeing Field,” said Councilmember Phillips. “And I’m pleased that we’ve made a commitment to dual use of this corridor so that bicyclists, pedestrians, and rail passengers can all benefit.”

Port of Seattle and County officials have finalized an agreement with BNSF that allows the Port to acquire the right-of-way with King County operating a regional trail along the corridor. The right-of-way is also targeted as a regional transportation corridor.

Phillips was a leading critic of the Executive’s original proposal to swap the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) owned corridor for King County International Airport—better known as Boeing Field and an important freight and general aviation airport. Phillips maintained that keeping County ownership of Boeing Field is critical to ensuring the airport continues to meet regional needs and remain responsive to neighborhood concerns. He called for a regional partnership or a cash purchase as a better way to acquire the rail corridor.

“With Eastside cities continuing to fill in and boom, public ownership of a continuous corridor will allow the region to meet current and future transportation and recreation needs with a dual rail and trail system,” said Councilmember Phillips. “This is truly a commitment to growth and prosperity in our region, and this investment will yield dividends to our economy and quality of life in perpetuity.”

The Eastside BNSF corridor spans 42 miles parallel to Interstate-405 from Renton to Snohomish and Woodinville, providing a regional connection through two counties and seven cities. The corridor was offered for sale by BNSF in 2004.