TACOMA, Wash. — Sound Transit is looking to Tacoma voters to help approve two new light rail routes that the transportation company says are needed by the growing city.
To help expand existing routes, Sound Transit will be asking South Sound voters for about $17 a month.
Sound Transit wants to extend light rail from the planned Tacoma Dome station to the Tacoma Mall, and from a Hilltop station to Tacoma Community College.
The company wants to cover the $1.5 billion price tag with federal funds and motor and property taxes.
KIRO 7 talked to voters about previous expansion plans, which they supported.
“I think it will be good for the community. I think it will bring a lot more business up here, because other people come in,” said Tacoma man Cecil Wyatt.
In planning documents, Sound Transit said the expansions are needed because Tacoma's population is expected to grow by over 120,000 people in 25 years, a 62 percent gain over the city’s current population.
The plan still has to be approved by a board vote in March. If approved by the board, Sound Transit will be seeking public input before the measure is placed on local ballots in March for a November vote.