The Sound Transit Board's System Expansion Committee and the full Board are scheduled to consider Resolution No. R2025-16 this month, which seeks to authorize the acquisition of crucial real property interests for the West Seattle Link Extension Project (WSLE). The proposed action grants the chief executive officer the authority to acquire properties, including through condemnation if necessary, and to reimburse eligible relocation and reestablishment expenses for affected owners and tenants. The resolution is slated for consideration by the System Expansion Committee on July 10, and by the Board on July 24.
Key Acquisitions and Urgency: The resolution authorizes the acquisition of all or part of three parcels located in Seattle for the WSLE project. These acquisitions include full fee acquisitions, permanent easements, and temporary construction easements. The properties are deemed necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the WSLE project.
A significant aspect of this resolution is the prioritization of two residential parcels (identified as WS5168 and WS5190 in Exhibit A, located at 3224 SW Genesee St and 3218 SW Genesee St, respectively). The owners of these residential properties are reportedly experiencing medical circumstances that necessitate acquisition and relocation as soon as possible. Due to their inability to sell their property to anyone other than Sound Transit, these parcels have been prioritized for acquisition consistent with the project’s approved scope, the Federal Transit Administration’s Record of Decision, and Sound Transit’s Board Resolution defining the Project to be Built.
The third parcel (WS10034, owned by the Port of Seattle at 1011 SW Klickitat Ave) has an early need for a bi-directional load test to inform design, which will not require business relocation at this stage. However, a later acquisition for project guideway construction may be required, which could necessitate multiple business relocations.
Support for Affected Parties: Sound Transit has committed to working with impacted owners and tenants to ensure they have access to relocation advisory services and other eligible relocation benefits. The residential properties will be relocated as soon as possible. In accordance with Sound Transit’s Real Property Acquisition and Relocation Policies, Procedures and Guidelines, the acquisition price of properties may not exceed the fair market value determined through an appraisal process. Funds for acquisitions and relocation expenses will be paid from Sound Transit general funds.
Project Background and Scope: The WSLE project was approved for funding by voters under the ST3 Plan. It is designed to provide fast, reliable light rail connections to dense residential and job centers, extending light rail 4.1 miles into West Seattle with four new stations. The extension will operate from SODO to West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighborhood and will eventually connect to the Everett Link Extension.
The West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE) were initially evaluated together, but due to additional environmental review needed for refinements to the Ballard Link Extension, their environmental review timelines are now different. The WSLE Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published in September 2024, and the Board selected the project to be built in October 2024. The Federal Transit Administration issued the final Record of Decision for WSLE on April 29, 2025.
Sound Transit's authorizing legislation grants the agency the power of eminent domain for such acquisitions. Condemnation proceedings will be initiated if negotiations between Sound Transit and property owners reach an impasse.
Fiscal Implications and Board Vote: The most recent preliminary cost estimate for the West Seattle Link Extension from 2024 is projected to be between $6.7 billion and $7.1 billion (2024$)16. The authorized project allocation for the WSLE project is $331,740,863, with $126,988,007 of uncommitted funds in the right-of-way phase deemed sufficient for this action.
However, this action authorizes right-of-way expenditures on a project that exceeds the financial plan value according to the 2024 preliminary cost estimate, which could potentially impact the timely deliverability of other system expansion projects. As a result, authorization of this action requires an affirmative two-thirds majority vote of the Board, consistent with Resolution No. R2021-05, Section 618. Resolution No. R2021-05 established a framework for ST2 and ST3 projects, restricting expenditures that would delay other projects unless funding gaps are offset.
Public Engagement and Schedule: Sound Transit’s External Engagement team has actively communicated with interested parties since publishing the Draft EIS, providing project updates via email, and holding meetings with property owners and stakeholders. One-on-one briefings have been conducted to answer questions and request rights of entry for fieldwork. In September 2023, staff proactively offered to meet with property owners who might qualify for early acquisition. Regular meetings are held with community groups along the alignment, often attended by the Real Property team to address acquisition and relocation inquiries. Station planning open houses were hosted in SODO and West Seattle in late 2023 and early 2024.
In compliance with state law, Sound Transit mailed a certified letter to affected property owners and published legal notice of this proposed Board action in the Seattle Times newspaper on July 7 and will again July 14, 2025.
While a one-month delay would not significantly impact the project schedule, it may negatively impact the residential property owners who are experiencing medical circumstances. A delay would also require staff to repeat notification and publication requirements, adding staff and publication costs. The projected completion date for the Design Phase of the WSLE is Q4 2028
