Hundreds Of Millions Headed To Washington's Transit Projects

SEATTLE — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday detailed where billions in federal transit dollars are headed across the nation, funded through the American Rescue Plan, and Washington is expecting a sizeable chunk.

The $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, which President Joe Biden signed into law earlier this month, includes more than $30 billion in grant money for states' public transportation needs. In Washington, the lion's share is for Puget Sound, totaling more than $867 million earmarked for transit funding.

The funds can be spent to cover payroll, operating expenses and other costs. According to federal officials, a pair of capital investment grants will also mean $158 million for the Federal Way light rail project and $94 million for the Lynnwood Link extension.

More than $14 million is earmarked for Washington's rural areas and $2 million set aside for intercity bus programs. Transportation officials are also seeking applications from ports for $230 million in grants available for modernization programs.

Overall, the American Rescue Plan will send $7.1 billion to Washington, including $437 million for King County and $176 for Pierce County. On the city level, Seattle expects about $239 million, and Tacoma should receive $63 million. The state legislature will craft plans to dole out the bulk of the federal aid, while city and council councils draw up spending plans for their dollars.

Other American Rescue Plan funds will help pay for rapidly expanding vaccination efforts, small business grants, expanded SNAP and WIC benefits, rental assistance and to help K-12 schools safely reopen more classrooms.

Learn more about the latest round of transportation funding on the Federal Transit Administration's website.