EVERETT—Ray Stephanson, President & CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC), joined leaders from across Western Washington on Thursday for the “Build the Damn Trains!” rally outside Union Station. The event highlighted growing regional concern over delays and rising costs associated with Sound Transit 3 (ST3), the voter-approved light rail expansion package.
The gathering took place hours before the Sound Transit Board convened for a retreat on the agency’s projected budget shortfall. According to meeting documents, ST3 expenses have ballooned by as much as $20 billion, delaying initial timelines. The Everett Link Extension, originally slated for 2036, is now projected to open between 2037 and 2041.
Stephanson attended on behalf of Snohomish County’s business community and regional workforce, emphasizing that completing the Everett–Tacoma spine must remain the agency’s highest priority.
“Every day, more than 185,000 Snohomish County residents commute to jobs in King County,” Stephanson said. “The commercial district surrounding Paine Field supports roughly 42,000 Boeing and aerospace employees. This corridor is essential to our regional workforce and economic mobility.”
Speakers at the event pointed to mounting public frustration, noting that reliable transit is central to economic opportunity for businesses and the local workforce alike.
Stephanson underscored that Everett Link is also one of the most cost-effective elements of the ST3 package. “Investing in Everett Link isn’t optional,” Stephanson said. “It is one of the most effective ways to support and retain our workforce. Reliable transit is also an equity issue. Many Snohomish County workers spend hours in traffic simply trying to access opportunity.”
He emphasized that the project is a regional commitment, not a single-county undertaking. “Snohomish and Pierce counties are integral parts of the Greater Seattle ecosystem,” he said. “Our economy doesn’t stop at county lines, and neither should our transit system.”
Sound Transit acknowledged the public interest in ST3 progress in a statement to KIRO 7, noting that the campaign demonstrates ongoing support for the program and that the agency is working to equip its board with tools to address cost challenges.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
