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Sound Transit update: Federal Way station proceeding; council weighs letter as board reviews extension to Tacoma
Summary
Public Works staff briefed the committee on Sound Transit Federal Link Extension closeout, a design‑build award to Hoffman Construction for site work, and preliminary geotechnical work; council discussed possible truncation to Fife, potential impacts on Federal Way, and relocation issues for the Christian Faith Center property.
Ken Smith of the City of Federal Way Public Works Department updated the Land Use & Transportation Committee on Sound Transit activities affecting the city.
Smith said Sound Transit is largely wrapping up construction closeout for the Federal Link Extension and has awarded a progressive design‑build contract to Hoffman Construction for site preparation, roadway improvements and long‑lead procurement tied to the operations and maintenance facility (OMF) south. Preliminary geotechnical and site investigations have begun; Sound Transit anticipates publishing a final environmental impact statement for the project in 2027.
Councilmembers asked whether Link could be truncated and not reach Tacoma. Smith said the agency is in a fact‑finding phase exploring cost‑saving options; while the Federal Way station itself is expected to be built as shown, extensions beyond Federal Way could be deferred depending on board direction. Councilmembers discussed sending a policy letter to the Sound Transit board to preserve the promised extension, and Chair Walsh said he had requested the mayor put the matter on the full council agenda for the next meeting.
Council also asked about the OMF schedule and whether demolition of leased properties (including the Christian Faith Center site) could proceed before the development agreement is finalized. Smith said demolition would require permits and that the contractor could move forward depending on its schedule; Sound Transit and the school on the site are negotiating relocation timing and entitlement issues.
Next steps: staff will continue to monitor Sound Transit decisions and provide updates; council will consider whether to send a letter to the Sound Transit board.
