Sound Transit is asking state lawmakers for permission to issue bonds with maturities of up to 75 years, a major shift in how the agency finances its projects and one that could directly affect the timeline for bringing light rail to West Seattle.

The proposal, introduced by Senate Transportation Chair Marko Liias (D‑Edmonds), (Senate Bill 6148) would change state law to allow Sound Transit to take on ultra‑long‑term debt. The agency currently operates under a 30‑year limit. Sound Transit officials have been in Olympia in recent weeks urging lawmakers to approve the expanded authority.

For West Seattle residents watching the long‑promised ST3 extension inch forward, the request signals the financial pressure the agency is under. Construction cost estimates for the West Seattle–Ballard Link Extension have climbed sharply over the past several years, and Sound Transit faces a long‑term funding gap that could force delays without new financing tools.

Agency leaders say the 75‑year option would not be used immediately but would give Sound Transit more flexibility to manage the multidecade build‑out of ST3.

The Biden administration’s infrastructure law expanded federal TIFIA loan maturities to 75 years, and Sound Transit argues that state law should match federal financing options.

“We’re trying to give Sound Transit as many tools as possible to deliver the system voters approved,” Liias said during a recent hearing.

Critics including rethinkthelink.org warn that 75‑year bonds are uncommon in public finance and could leave future generations paying for infrastructure long after its useful life. Supporters counter that major rail infrastructure—tunnels, guideways, and stations—can justify longer-term financing, and that without new tools, Sound Transit may have to push back timelines for West Seattle, Ballard, and other ST3 segments.

Sound Transit has not released a specific plan to issue 75‑year bonds, but the request underscores the agency’s urgency as it works to keep the West Seattle extension on track for its projected opening in the early 2030s.

The Legislature is expected to continue debating the proposal in the coming weeks as part of broader transportation negotiations.

Sound Transit officials have testified in Olympia providing supportive testimony during Senate Transportation Committee hearings on SB 6148, arguing that 75‑year maturities would:

• Align with updated federal TIFIA loan rules

• Provide long‑term flexibility for ST3 capital financing

• Help manage inflation‑driven cost pressures.

You can offer your thoughts on the bill by clicking on this link: https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=6148&Year=2026  

You can also read the full bill text and/or write a short comment.