Mayor announces Federal Way Link light rail will open Dec. 6; grand-opening press plans underway

Mayor Farrell told the Federalist City Council on Sept. 2 that the Sound Transit Link light rail extension to Federal Way is scheduled to open Dec. 6. The mayor said the date is earlier than previous public planning that had targeted a spring opening next year and that a press event for the grand opening is preliminarily planned at the Federal Way Station. "This is early, several months early, from what had been planned as a spring," the mayor said.

The mayor described recent regional publicity and attendance by local and regional officials at a related announcement and noted coordination among area mayors and county council members ahead of the international soccer tournament next year. Councilors were asked to "stay tuned" for a formal announcement with time and location details once finalized.

The mayor also reviewed recent and upcoming community events and thanked staff and volunteers for recent programs. No formal council action was associated with the rail announcement; staff said further details and event logistics would be circulated when the schedule and press plans are finalized.