Audits

We publicly released our report on the Initial Segment of the Seattle Central Link Light Rail Project, in response to a 2002 request from the former Chairman of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee. We found: Sound Transit has significantly strengthened its proposal for constructing the project’s first segment; the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has provided strong oversight of Sound Transit’s plans; project cost, schedule, and funding appear to be reasonable; Sound Transit has adequately addressed the safety issues related to operating buses and trains in the tunnel; and FTA’s requirements for a stand alone system have been met. We recommended that alternative local revenues be committed to the project in case of a funding deficit or shortfall and amendment of the finance plan accordingly. FTA agreed with our recommendation.