FTA awards $75 million grant for Sound Transit's Tacoma Link extension

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded a $75 million Small Starts grant to Sound Transit for its Hilltop Tacoma Link extension.

The 2.4-mile light-rail extension will run along Commerce Street and Stadium Way to the Hilltop District in Tacoma, Washington. The line will include six new stations.

The $217 million project's other funding sources include Sound Transit 2 dollars, money from the city of Tacoma, and other federal and state grants.

"Tacoma will continue to attract more and more people and jobs in the coming years," said Sound Transit board member and Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. "The expanded Tacoma Link system will improve transportation around the city and connect riders with regional light rail, Sounder trains and bus service at the Tacoma Dome."

Construction is scheduled to begin in fall, with service starting in 2022.

In 2016, Sound Transit chose HDR Engineering Inc. to provide final design services for the Tacoma Link's Hilltop extension.

Voters also have approved a separate Tacoma Link extension to bring the line to Tacoma Community College by 2039.