Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, July 24, 2008 Light-rail measure headed to voters By Yoshiaki Nohara Herald Writer SEATTLE - A package of transit projects that aims to bring light rail to Lynnwood is headed to voters this November, the Sound Transit Board of Directors decided this afternoon. The 15-year plan, which would raise $17.8 billion for transit, received 16 yes votes among the 18 board members. The measure needed at least 12 votes to pass. In addition to extending light rail to Lynnwood, the plan is expected to increase bus service by about 30 percent in Snohomish County. Additional bus service should give relief for commuters struggling with high gas prices, said Edmonds City Councilwoman Deanna Dawson, a Sound Transit Board member. "It's time to put this plan in front of voters," Dawson said. The plan's cost estimate includes inflation. The measure will need a majority vote to pass in November in the Sound Transit District, which stretches over Snohomish, King and Pierce counties, If approved, the package should result in a new sales tax hike - 5 cents on a $10 purchase. The plan is expected to improve bus, train and light rail systems in the three counties. In 2007, voters decisively rejected a different $18 billion proposal for mass transit projects. That proposal, tied to a series of road projects, was too big and complicated to pass, critics said.

1. Tulalip man, 20, charged with baby boy's murder 2. Donated safe gives Marysville museum a mystery 3. Fears over commercial air service at Paine Field dismissed 4. Everett officer charged with manslaughter reveals plan for defense 5. Merchants reject security for downtown Snohomish 6. Holmgren interested in returning to Seahawks 7. Friends open account for orphaned daughters of Highway 9 crash victims 8. Crack That Safe 9. Country singing contestant Chance McKinney amazed by his fans 10. Have M’s, Figgins reached a deal? 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Wildcats fall to familar foe in semis • ‘Nutcracker' times three • Road warrior • Mavericks reloading • Holiday Lightings & Santa Sightings • Cities prepare for winter blast repeat • Wolfpack duo takes last shot at state tourney • This Weekend in Your Town • Tips for the stormy season • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million