This article from The Seattle Times takes a look at the long-term financing schedule associated with extending the region's light rail system.
"Financing costs mean that voters in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties will be looking at a half-century commitment when they decide on a regional-transportation measure in November. The last bonds for the 50-mile rail plan, and other transit projects, would be paid off in 2057."
"By then, Sound Transit's spending would exceed $37 billion, counting inflation and interest charges."
"Add $37.9 billion in transit dollars to $16.1 billion for the roads, and the tally reaches $54 billion, including debt and inflation."
"For the average household, this would mean $150 in new sales taxes next year and $68 in new car-tab taxes for the average automobile - figures that would go up with inflation until at least 2027."
Read the full story: Light-rail debt a 50-year ride
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
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