MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — The Federal Transit Administration has awarded $4.9 million in earmarked funding for Community Transit’s Mountlake Terrace Park &Ride expansion project according to U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee’s office.
The $15.5 million project will add a three-deck parking garage on the current Mountlake Terrace Park &Ride site and increase capacity to 880 spaces.
“Without this type of federal funding, we would not be able to complete major projects like doubling the capacity of the Mountlake Terrace Park &Ride,” said Joyce Olson, CEO of Community Transit. “Public transportation is a critical part of keeping our roads and freeways functional. This project will make it possible to take nearly 500 cars a day off I-5 during peak hours, helping ease congestion for everyone.”
Inslee said, “Expanding the Mountlake Terrace Park and Ride will help commuters and decrease traffic on our highways. Puget Sound residents would rather spend time with their families or loved ones than be stuck on the Interstate.”
Community Transit is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation on logistics before finishing design work, according to CT officials. Construction tentatively is scheduled to begin in Fall 2006, with the new Park &Ride opening in Fall 2007. Currently, Routes 130, 408, 414, 810, 851 and 871 serve the Mountlake Terrace Park &Ride.
According to CT officials, the project will not impact sensitive areas, endangered species or their habitat and will not affect any trees at Mountlake Terrace’s Veterans Memorial Park.
CT operates 32 local bus routes, 31 commuter routes and DART paratransit service throughout Snohomish County. Call Community Transit at 425-353-RIDE or 800-562-1375 for bus information, 888-814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org.
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