U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Shoreline) stopped in Tacoma yesterday to see for herself the ever-changing city.

Murray, chair of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, stopped by Tacoma Link construction near Union Station, where she met with construction crews, as well as Sound Transit officials and city officials, including former Deputy Mayor Claudia Thomas and Councilmember Kevin Phelps.

Set to go into service in Sept. 2003, the 1.6-mile Tacoma Link light rail system will provide free transportation between downtown Tacoma and the Tacoma Dome.

Murray called the construction “impressive” and said it would be a great thing for Tacoma when completed.

Following her stop at the Link construction site, Murray saw Tacoma’s new Museum of Glass.

She also toured security operations at Port of Tacoma terminals.

In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Murray has helped steer federal money to Washington ports, primarily Tacoma and Seattle.