STA board delays light rail decision

Fri., July 21, 2006

By Amy Cannata amyc@spokesman.com

The Spokane Transit Authority board is postponing until next month a decision on whether to ask the public this fall if light rail planning should continue.

STA’s Light Rail Steering Committee recommended that the board move forward with two years of preliminary design and right-of-way purchases using about $20 million in existing STA funds. Such a plan could be put to an advisory vote this fall to gauge public sentiment.

STA board member and Liberty Lake City Councilman Brian Sayrs said the board should make a decision immediately. “This conversation has been going on in the community for years,” he said.

But several board members said the public needs to know more about how the community would pay for the entire proposed $300 million light rail project to connect downtown Spokane with Liberty Lake before voters are asked whether they want to proceed with any more work on it.

“We have to ask the right questions first,” said Spokane Valley City Councilman and STA board member Richard Munson, who added, “Our citizens are not an unending pot of money for us to spend.”

Light rail funding options would almost certainly include some sort of local tax increase, which would require voter approval.

The board will hold a special meeting in August to discuss light rail options, including funding sources and possible ballot questions for the public’s vote in fall.

Several people at Thursday’s meeting urged the board to proceed with light rail plans.

“I think Spokane needs to come out of the dark ages and stop thinking of the past. They need a vision for the future, and that future includes light rail,” said Warren Mumpower.

“It will only cost more if we wait,” said Richard Bryant, who added that light rail would save commuters time and money.

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