Sound Transit's Cross-Lake Line: A Tale of Delays and 'Couch Cushion' Funding
The Washington State transportation agency, Sound Transit, is set to announce a new opening date for its long-delayed Cross-Lake Line, a project that has been plagued by missed deadlines and escalating costs. The announcement comes after a recent discovery of $60 million in unexpected funds, dubbed 'couch cushion money' by board member Claudia Balducci, which could potentially cover the remaining costs of the project.
The Cross-Lake Line, part of the East Link project, has been delayed by over five years and is tens of millions of dollars over budget, according to recent public meetings. This has sparked a debate about how Sound Transit should fund its broader expansion plans, with some arguing that the agency has failed to deliver on its promises to voters.
Critics, such as Charles Prestrud from the Washington Policy Center, point out that the ongoing delays and cost overruns are evidence of Sound Transit's inability to meet its commitments. Prestrud also highlights the potential consequences of Senate Bill 6148, which would allow the agency to issue 75-year bonds to manage a projected $35 billion shortfall. He warns that longer-term borrowing could lead to higher interest payments and reduced funding for future system expansion or maintenance.
Former Seattle Department of Transportation director Scott Kubly also criticizes the proposal, suggesting that issuing bonds with such long maturities should be a last resort. He argues that Sound Transit would pay 2.5 to 3 times more interest, creating a 'very expensive debt'.
Some skeptics, including Prestrud, believe that Sound Transit should complete its reassessment of the voter-approved ST3 plan before considering new bonding options. The agency's internal review, known as the Enterprise Initiative, is expected to propose potential cuts in the second quarter. Prestrud argues that the board should focus on identifying reductions or phasing changes before seeking authority to take on new, longer-term debt.
Despite the controversies, the immediate focus remains on the long-awaited Cross-Lake opening. Sound Transit had previously promised the line would open by the end of May, but now an updated start date will be announced on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the project's history.
