Sound Transit is scheduled to publish a pivotal draft environmental impact statement on Friday, a move intended to refine the selection of specific stops for the planned Everett light rail expansion. This regulatory document, mandated by both state and federal statutes, evaluates the potential effects of the 16-mile corridor on local ecosystems and infrastructure. It provides detailed analyses of seven proposed station configurations, although funding currently secures construction for six of these locations; the seventh, situated at the junction of Airport Road and Highway 99, is undergoing the review process without guaranteed financial backing.
Over a 45-day window, the agency will gather public feedback to complement the data contained in the draft document. This input will aid in formulating a final recommendation for the route and station placements, a decision anticipated for December. While the regional transit board holds ultimate authority, Manan Garg, the executive director responsible for the Everett project, indicated to the System Expansion Committee on Sept. 10 that a formal board vote is likely to occur in the early months of the following year.
Dave Somers, the Snohomish County Executive who chairs the Sound Transit board, described the publication as a significant achievement following years of preparation, emphasizing its importance for the region’s future development. The selection process involves complex trade-offs; planners aim to maximize accessibility and utility for riders while simultaneously reducing costs, minimizing environmental disruption, and limiting the displacement of existing communities.
Amy Enbysk, a spokesperson for the agency, noted via email on Wednesday that understanding public priorities is essential as the project advances. She explained that before the board selects a preferred alternative, officials will weigh the environmental impacts outlined in the document alongside resident comments, as well as factors related to design, budget constraints, and equity.
Beyond the passenger stations, the agency must secure space for a substantial maintenance and operations hub. This facility, requiring between 80 and 100 acres, is designed to house and service more than 150 light rail vehicles. Projected to cost approximately $2.1 billion, the hub is expected to generate over 450 jobs within Snohomish County and is slated to become operational in 2034, preceding the arrival of passenger services.
The total estimated cost for the Everett Link Extension stands at roughly $11.6 billion, per a financial plan authorized earlier this year. The agency anticipates that the majority of the line, extending to southwest Everett, will be open to the public by 2037, with service reaching the downtown core by 2041. David Parshall, a member of the Lynnwood City Council who recently joined the transit board, stated that the new planning materials will assist board members in assessing various station options. These evaluations will consider integration with other transit modes, pedestrian and cyclist access, and the impact of noise and traffic on adjacent neighborhoods.
Community input sought for Link light rail extension
Public feedback on the planned Link light rail extension is being actively sought by officials. Concerns have already surfaced regarding the proposed route near Alderwood Mall, specifically regarding its proximity to a Lynnwood church. In response to this pushback, the route was adjusted in coordination with Sound Transit to bypass the church property. Additional feedback has been received regarding the planned Mariner station, where a proposed location could result in the displacement of a Safeway grocery store.
"We're seeking the same kind of input from residents along the Link extension route," a spokesperson said in a Tuesday interview. "What are the critical areas for people viewing this from a more granular, local level on the ground?"
During a System Expansion Committee meeting on September 10, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin stated that gathering community feedback regarding the location of the SR 526/Evergreen station is a primary focus. This station is slated for construction in the Casino Road neighborhood. Several potential locations for the station are under consideration; a proposal presented by Sound Transit on September 10 indicated that one option could displace approximately two dozen businesses within the Casino Square shopping center.
"These are established, diverse neighborhoods with residents and small businesses that are an important part of the fabric of our community," Franklin stated in an email sent Wednesday. "We want to ensure they are served by light rail and benefit from this investment. The DEIS will help us better understand where impacts could occur and the differences between the alternatives."
Beyond planning for the station itself, Franklin noted that the city's role involves collaborating with the community to plan thoughtfully. The goal is to ensure growth provides housing, economic opportunities, and transit access while protecting existing community characteristics.
The city's comprehensive plan update, which the city council approved in 2025, up-zoned most of the city to facilitate housing development. It also introduced new inclusionary zoning regulations, mandating that developers building larger multifamily housing in the Casino Road neighborhood include affordable units. The planning department is additionally developing a subarea plan, a more specific land use document focused on the Casino Road area.
Part of the city's preparation for the new stations, Franklin explained during the September 10 committee meeting, involves pursuing a merger between Everett Transit and Community Transit. This merger, which would raise sales taxes while increasing bus service within the city, would provide the necessary connections to transport riders to light rail stations in Everett.
Transit access to the new stations will be critical, particularly since the Sound Transit board deferred the planning and construction of parking garages intended for stations along the Everett extension.
Sound Transit officials reported at the committee meeting that preferred alternatives for certain routes and station locations have already been identified. These include stations near Alderwood Mall, a station in southwest Everett, and the station planned for Everett's downtown core.
Alderwood Mall Station Likely Along 33rd Avenue West The proposed site for the Alderwood Mall station is expected to be situated adjacent to 33rd Avenue West, a location selected for its strong connectivity to the Swift Orange Line and its alignment with current and upcoming development activity in the area.
Southwest Everett Stop Tied to Boeing Facility For the southwest Everett station, Sound Transit favors a placement nearer to the Boeing production campus, aiming to serve both employees and surrounding neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the downtown Everett stop is anticipated to be established closer to the city center, either along McDougall Avenue or Broadway, rather than being positioned near Everett Station.
Public Input Could Still Shape Final Decisions These preferred alignments remain subject to adjustment as Sound Transit gathers public feedback during its current comment window. Staff emphasized that no set priority system exists for weighing competing considerations, making community input essential in guiding final choices.
Cost-Reduction Strategies Under Review The draft environmental impact statement outlines possible measures to contain expenses across the extension. Planning director Eric Widstrand noted options such as maximizing use of publicly owned land to limit new acquisitions, constructing portions of the rail line at ground level instead of elevated structures, and relocating a key turnback track from Mariner station to Ash Way in Lynnwood.
Budget Constraints Drive Prudence With Sound Transit recently postponing several regional light rail expansions due to escalating build costs, officials are prioritizing fiscal discipline. Board chair Franklin Parshall underscored the importance of responsible stewardship, noting the agency aims to avoid repeating past financial challenges.
Community Voices Critical for Equity and Impact Staff aim to learn more about residents’ station preferences, which consequences matter most to them, how their views were formed, and any overlooked effects on neighborhoods. Franklin noted that today’s decisions will influence Everett’s growth for generations and urged broad participation in the review process.
How to Get Involved Residents and groups may submit feedback between September 18 and November 2 via the project webpage at soundtransit.org/everettlink-deis, by phone at 425-243-6255, or by email at [email protected].
Three public meetings are scheduled for October at 5:30 p.m.: - Oct. 13 at Mariner High School, 200 120th St. SW, Everett - Oct. 15 at the Carl Gipson Center, 3025 Lombard Ave., Everett - Oct. 21 at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, 19509 64th Ave. W, Lynnwood