Strauss Seeks to Rewire ST3 Funds, Reigniting Ballard Tunnel Debate

As Sound Transit nears a May vote to update ST3, Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss proposes reallocating North King County funds to finance a Ballard spur and pause the full second downtown tunnel, effectively keeping the tunnel funded but not fully built while creating a shorter Ballard connection. The move could save billions (analysts cite more than $4 billion in 2025 dollars) but would delay Ballard’s full build, risking decades of limited service for the neighborhood as Sound Transit grapples with a large funding gap (~$11–$13 billion through 2052) and federal approvals that have slowed Ballard’s environmental review. Supporters say every regional center would finally connect to the spine; critics warn Ballard riders would face transfers and longer trips without a complete tunnel.