Seattle's Transit Authority Announces $17.9 Billion Plan

"More than two-thirds of the money would be spent to build 34 miles of light-rail extensions, reaching the Overlake Transit Center near Microsoft in 2021, and Lynnwood and north Federal Way by 2023.

Late next year, light-rail service begins from downtown Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; a north line to Capitol Hill and Husky Stadium is already scheduled for completion in 2016.

Transit board members voted unanimously Thursday to send the plan, and its accompanying sales-tax increase, to the public a year after a combined Roads & Transit package was routed at the polls. Supporters hope that a transit-only version will fare better because rising gas prices are nudging more people out of their cars. Also, the presidential race is expected to bring out younger voters who would support transit."