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AN ORDINANCE authorizing the condemnation of real property to obtain easements, and other rights in property for the construction of the Rapid Ride I Line in the city of Renton.

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                     BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:

                     SECTION 1.

                     A.  The RapidRide I Line ("RRIL") project will provide high-quality bus rapid transit service connecting Renton, Kent, and Auburn, and connect to the regional transit network to improve access to destinations across the region.  The property rights that are the subject of this ordinance must be acquired to construct the RRIL project and associated facilities.  The acquisition of property rights is for a public purpose.

                     B.  The RRIL project is one part of a larger system-wide approach to improve transit access in South King County, and will increase transit speed, reliability, and passenger carrying capacity in three of some of the largest and most diverse communities in the Seattle area.  The project will serve the transportation needs of communities that have been historically underserved, which are South King County communities, which have some of the highest proportions of low-income and minority populations in King County, and the project will deliver improved services along with increased passenger comfort on that corridor similar to what is experienced in the areas already served by RapidRide or Link service.

                     C.  Ordinance 18449, enacted February 1, 2017, adopting the King County Metro long-range transit service and capital plan, METRO CONNECTS, which identifies an expanded network of future RapidRide lines for implementation, including the RRIL.  Via Ordinance 19098, the Locally Preferred Alternative for the RRIL project was approved, including the alignment and station locations.  The RRIL project will meet the goals set forth in the King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan by tying together economically and racially diverse communities, and connecting neighborhoods to employment opportunities, commercial and retail centers, and recreational activities.

                     D.  The project is of critical importance.  The Federal Transit Administration requires that Small Starts grant-funded projects operate transit service at the level specified in the grant agreement for a defined period of performance.  Delays in the completion of the project, or the project's failure to obtain the property needed to construct project improvements as designed, could jeopardize the millions of dollars of federal funding by undermining the projected ridership and speed improvement outcomes, and result in escalated costs, which would diminish the scope of improvements that can be built with the funding available for the project.

                     E.  King County is authorized, by chapter 8.12 RCW, chapter 36.56 RCW, RCW 35.58.240, and RCW 35.58.320 to acquire, damage, and condemn real property for public use for public transportation facilities.

                     F.  To construct the RRIL project, it is necessary for King County to condemn and damage certain lands, property rights and rights in property.  The acquisition of such property rights and rights in property is for a public purpose.

                     G.  The King County council finds that public necessity, convenience, and welfare require that the RRIL project be constructed and that those certain properties, property rights and rights in property be condemned, appropriated, taken, and damaged for the purpose of construction, operation, and maintenance of the RRIL project.

                     SECTION 2.  The King County council deems it necessary for the proposed public purpose and in the best interest of the residents of the King County that all or any portion of the property identified by tax parcel number 322305-9135 and other property interests, property rights, or rights in the properties be condemned, appropriated, taken and damaged for the purpose of constructing, installing, operating, maintaining, repairing, and replacing facilities for the RRIL project, subject to the making or paying of just compensation to the owners therein in the manner provided by law.

                     SECTION 3.  Condemnation proceedings are hereby authorized to acquire property interests and property rights and rights in property in all or any portion of the property identified by tax parcel number 322305-9135 for the purpose of the RRIL project substantially as described in the property summary submitted by the executive in connection with this ordinance.

                     SECTION 4.  The attorneys for King County are hereby authorized and directed to begin to prosecute the proceedings provided by law to condemn, take, damage, and

appropriate the land and other property interests, property rights, and rights in property necessary to carry out this ordinance.