Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District
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Sounder Everett to Seattle Commuter Rail
21 December 2003
U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee (left) attends the inaugural running of the Sounder commuter rail train, from Everett to Seattle. Inslee hailed the agreement between Sound Transit and Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF) Railway, which enables the Sounder to be expanded into Snohomish County. Congressman Inslee has worked with the involved parties and encouraged them to reach an amicable agreement on this project. As seen here, Inslee speaks with John Engber (right), State Director of Senator Patty Murray’s office, with the Sounder train in the background.
Commenting on the historic agreement, Inslee said, “This is going to be one of the most spectacular commutes in America. Besides the picture postcard commute through the First Congressional District, this decision is a sign that Puget Sound is on the move and on the right track.”
“This agreement benefits car drivers as much as it benefits train riders. The Sounder train is going to take a lot of people off I-5, effectively creating a new North-South Corridor between Everett and Seattle for commuter rail. I congratulate BNSF and Sound Transit for coming together to reach an agreement on this. Utilizing these existing tracks is a cost-effective way to maximize our existing infrastructure to meet our future commuter needs.”