Sound Transit and the Federal Transit Administration have released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Everett Link Extension, a project that would add approximately 16 miles and six stations to the Seattle region's Link light rail network. Publication opens a 45-day public comment period running through November 2.

The document compares alternative routes, station sites and options for a new Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) North, and assesses how each alignment would affect natural, human and built environments, along with measures to reduce potential impacts where feasible. Once the comment period closes, the Sound Transit Board will weigh input from the public, Tribes and agencies as it identifies, confirms or modifies the preferred alternatives.

What does the Draft EIS change?

The release advances environmental review for the extension of high-capacity transit from Lynnwood to Everett in Snohomish County, Washington, but it does not settle the alignment. The board's official decision on which route, stations and OMF North location to build comes later. Environmental review continues through publication of the final EIS, which Sound Transit expects in late 2027, and formally ends when the FTA issues a Record of Decision.

"Release of the Draft EIS is an important milestone for Everett Link and for the future of Snohomish County," said Sound Transit Board Chair Dave Somers. "This project is about more than building light rail. It's about connecting people to jobs, education, housing and opportunity while completing the regional spine that voters approved."

Somers pointed to Lynnwood Link, which connected that city to high-capacity transit with direct service to Seattle two years ago, as evidence of the development effect the agency expects the Everett extension to extend northward.

What is the delivery schedule?

Under the current programme, light rail service from Lynnwood City Center Station to SW Everett Industrial Center Station would open in 2037, with the two northernmost stations — SR 526/Evergreen and Everett Station — following in 2041. Sound Transit notes one caveat: the station planned for SR 99/Airport Road is provisional, funded only through environmental review and not for final design or construction.

What are local stakeholders saying?

Board Member Cassie Franklin framed the document as a decision tool rather than a verdict. "The Draft EIS gives us a much clearer picture of the benefits, impacts and tradeoffs of the different alternatives," she said. "It's important that we hear directly from the people, businesses and neighborhoods that could be affected as we work toward the best path forward for Everett and our region."

Business and labor groups echoed the call for comment. Ray Stephanson, president and CEO of Economic Alliance Snohomish County, said the Lynnwood Link corridor is already generating measurable economic activity and that he expects a similar effect from Everett Link, giving employers better access to jobs and talent.

Charlotte Murry of the Snohomish County Labor Council highlighted the construction pipeline, saying the project will provide construction jobs for years and create apprenticeship opportunities to develop the next generation of trade workers.

Board Member David Parshall noted the regional continuity at stake: "Just two years ago, Lynnwood became connected to high-capacity transit with direct access to Seattle, and we're looking forward to further strengthening those connections when light rail reaches Everett."

What comes next?

Public meetings and online comment channels are open through November 2, after which the board will refine the preferred alternatives ahead of the final EIS expected in late 2027 and the FTA's Record of Decision that will close out environmental review.