City of Fircrest Shares Priorities for Sound Transit Implementation

Sound Transit is facing a $34.5B funding shortfall, posing significant barriers to implementing its commitment to continue light rail service to Tacoma.  As Sound Transit addresses this budget gap, the Fircrest City Council has formally submitted a letter to the Sound Transit Board outlining our highest priorities for Sound Transit 3 (ST3) and reaffirming our commitment to a well-connected regional transit system for Pierce County.

To support a balanced implementation approach, the Fircrest City Council urges Sound Transit to focus on the following key priorities:

• Tacoma Community College (TCC) Link Extension: Advance planning and route analysis to better understand the scope, cost, and alternatives for this vital connection serving Fircrest, University Place, West Tacoma, and the 12,000-student TCC campus.
• Tacoma Dome Link Extension: Maintain the adopted project schedule and complete the light rail spine to Tacoma without further delay, delivering the long-promised essential regional connection for Pierce County.
• Sounder Commuter Rail Enhancements: Increase daily and off-peak Sounder trips and pursue creative, cost-effective strategies to expand service, including the DuPont extension, to better serve commuters, shift workers, students, and families.

Fircrest remains committed to thoughtful planning and responsible land use to support transit investment, while being mindful of community impacts and potential property effects.  We look forward to continued collaboration with Sound Transit and regional partners to deliver the high-quality transit connections our residents and region deserve.

Read the full letter at: Fircrest Letter of Support to Sound Transit