King County Executive Dow Constantine moved the County one step closer to acquiring nearly 20 miles of the long-sought-after Burlington Northern Eastside Rail Corridor on Aug. 27 by proposing the purchase of the former BNSF property. The line is considered the future backbone of a world-class regional trail system that also preserves Eastside commuter rail options and supports an array of utility services.

“This agreement fulfills our promise to the region of preserving a public corridor through the most urbanized areas of east King County with our regional trail network,” Constantine said, in transmitting the proposed purchase and sale agreement for the corridor to the Metropolitan King County Council.

Under the proposal, which was recently approved by the Port of Seattle, King County would have three years to reimburse the Port for the purchase price of up to $15.8 million. In exchange, King County would receive 15.6 miles of fee ownership and 3.9 miles of easement ownership in the corridor, through unincorporated King County and the cities of Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland and Woodinville. The proposed agreement would credit King County for $1.9 million it paid to the Port in 2009 for a multi-purpose easement in the corridor.

“This rail and trail agreement fulfills the commitment of our strategic plan to link together the current trail network with future trails into a seamless county-wide network,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague, whose district includes Bellevue. “Most importantly it will be a future path for commuter rail options, economic development and enhance our recreational opportunities.”

Constantine said he is exploring funding options from federal sources as well as the Conservation Futures Fund and a proposed renewal of the King County Parks Levy.

If the council adopts the acquisition agreement, King County would control 12.2 miles of the main line and 3.4 miles of the seven-mile-long spur from Woodinville to Redmond. The county also would maintain or acquire easements or covenants over an additional 14.1 miles of the main line and spur.

While possible uses of the corridor are in the earliest stages of development, King County and its partners are considering the north-south corridor for dual use that could meet future public transportation needs and connect residents in the south, east and north parts of the county through a series of biking, walking and hiking trails.

The proposed agreement between King County and the Port, as well as completed or anticipated separate agreements with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and the cities of Redmond and Kirkland, mean the former Burlington Northern (BNSF) rail line will remain in public ownership for long-term use by trail, rail and utility interests.