Kohl-Welles responds to today’s State of the County Address

March 28, 2016

Summary

Executive Constantine is correct to start focusing on the ST3 proposal, but I have a concern on the current plan that would have light rail arrive in Ballard 5 years after its arrival in West Seattle when the Ballard extension has nearly three times the forecasted ridership.

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles released this statement in regards to today’s state of the County Address from County Executive Dow Constantine:

“The County Executive reminded us all just how much we’ve accomplished over the past few years, culminating with last year’s adoption by county voters of Best Starts for Kids. I appreciate the Executive’s commitment to staying ahead of the growth in our region, and to making King County the best run government in service of the people.

“As Best Starts for Kids is now being implemented, the County is now turning toward the challenge of transporting the next generation around the region.

“Executive Constantine is correct to start focusing on the ST3 proposal, but I have a concern on the current plan that would have light rail arrive in Ballard 5 years after its arrival in West Seattle when the Ballard extension has nearly three times the forecasted ridership.

“Both communities are vital transportation hubs, but with Ballard’s higher ridership totals and the possibility of linking with transit options to the University of Washington and Wallingford and to Crown Hill to the north, I would like to see the Executive work on getting light rail to Ballard sooner.”