The Puget Sound Regional Council is moving forward in concert with King County on the study to acquire the 40-mile rail corridor that stretches from Snohomish to Renton and parallels Interstate 405. The study will examine all of the potential opportunities in the corridor, such as continued freight rail, bus rapid transit, light rail, commuter rail and trail sections.

"As a region we want to preserve this corridor, and preserve our flexibility for future transportation and multimodal transportation uses," said Councilmember Sonny Putter at the May 26 meeting of the PSRC's Executive Board, "It's important that we look at all options for acquiring this corridor."

The study will include an open and inclusive public process. "We will continue to involve all the cities and the other interests, including the rail lines, environmental groups, communication utilities and the dinner train company," says Bob Drewel Executive Director of PSRC. "As long as we think it's a viable corridor to be preserved for the region, then it will be a regional decision that will shape its ultimate use."

Several things need to be determined in the study. Beginning with the title search, cost appraisal and rail banking. Rail banking offers an opportunity to acquire this property at a much lower cost. However, approval of the purchase would have to come from the federal Surface Transportation Board and requires that the corridor be reserved in perpetuity for the potential of rail operations.

Other concerns have been raised, which PSRC will be addressing in the study. "The City of Renton has concerns about uses of the corridor within its city limits. A ground level high capacity transit system would be disruptive to our downtown, and near Kennydale the line goes within ten feet of people's houses." Said Mayor Keolker-Wheeler during discussion with the Executive Board.

Another issue to be worked out is future freight uses on the line, currently used by The Boeing Company and other freight companies.

For more information, contact King Cushman at 206-464-6174 or kcushman@psrc.org.