Tacoma — Extension Study

Rail Transit Online, April 2004

A preliminary feasibility study into a proposed extension of the 1.6-mi. (2.57 km) Tacoma Link downtown streetcar to a planned Indian gaming complex has estimated the capital cost at between $40 million and $55 million depending which of four route options would be selected.  The $41,000 study was financed by the Puyallup Tribe, which not only wants to establish its Cascades Casino but also neighborhood shopping centers.  The extension from the existing Tacoma Dome Station would be about a quarter-mile (0.4 km) long and could run on either East 28th, 29th, 32nd or Bay streets.  The latter option would be the least expensive while the route on 32nd Street would cost the most.  The streetcars would connect the Casino, which will include a dance club and a 3,500-seat event center, with downtown shops, hotels and the convention center.  “There is definitely a benefit for the tribe if we can tap into the downtown hotels,” Tribal spokesman Jon Weymer told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.  Still to be determined is who would pay for the line, although tribal and federal sources have been mentioned.  However, the tribe has already stated it is not prepared to cover the entire cost.  Additional studies will be required to determine traffic impacts and how the streetcars would fit into the casino design but no further action has been scheduled.  An extension to the city of Puyallup has also been mentioned.