Sound Transit Rebalances ST3, Puts Ballard Link on Hold Amid Major Budget Gap

Sound Transit approved a sweeping ST3 rebalancing to address a $34 billion budget shortfall over the next two decades, deferring or delaying major lines including the Ballard Link north of downtown and leaving about $2.5 billion in projects fully deferred. Graham Street Station was funded; Boeing Access Road remains unaffordable; Renton’s 700-stall parking garage was funded by transferring $100 million from the 4 Line. The agency will pursue cost savings, new financing tools, and independent oversight, plus an RFI to speed delivery, but there is no firm Ballard timeline as West Seattle Link continues toward design. Advocates protested Ballard’s deferral, arguing voters approved ST3; officials say ST3 is not canceled, just recalibrated.