(rshsdepot) Everett, WA

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Editorial from The Daily Herald

Everett Station shows city history and future

Maybe King County Executive Ron Sims was stroking Everett's ego Monday at
the Everett Station's ribbon-cutting ceremony when he told the large crowd,
"It's quite an enviable facility that I would love to see in King County."

Whatever his motive, he was right on the mark. It is an outstanding place.
And its significance and impact reaches far beyond mere transportation -- as
if that wouldn't be enough in our growing area. The station combines
transportation needs with higher education and workforce training. The
three-pronged facility is setting an example throughout the state and
country of how to build partnerships in financing and use of such
structures.

Finally, trains, buses, shuttles and bicycles, and the people who use them,
all have one place to congregate. The buses were already passing through
Monday as people toured the building. And Amtrak is expected to have its
intercity rail service soon. Now, if we could just get Sounder Commuter Rail
here, we'd be set. We look forward to watching Sims, who is also the Sound
Transit board chair, work on getting Sounder here no later than Fall 2003
and possibly earlier. Sims is a picture of determination when he says he
wants to see things accomplished quickly, so we'll expect to see that come
to fruition.

The station is also an example of combining naturally the past, present and
future. The modern architecture perfectly houses historical murals and new
artwork that serve as history and geography lessons of our area. Indeed, the
floor of the station, called the Waterways Map, depicts the bay area,
estuary rivers and streams of our landscape. You don't need to have travel
plans to visit this landmark. It's a destination point in its own right.

All the transportation, education, government and financing partners in this
project deserve praise for their cooperation. Faith in the ability of our
officials, elected or otherwise, to accomplish major projects on time and on
budget is pretty weak right now. So, the Everett Station will also stand out
as a standard for other projects throughout our state.

If you've lived in the area for a long time, you might find yourself
visiting the station with a twinge of surprise, possibly disbelief. No
matter how loyal you are, you can't help but think to yourself, "I can't
believe Everett has something this fantastic."

Our area is full of exciting projects right now -- some private and some
through the city. Whether it's a new events center, an overpass or creative
new housing options, we're finally making some long-needed improvements to
keep and bring people here.

It appears Everett is finally reaching its potential.

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