Rejected entirely last February for federal funding, planners made two important changes: Scaled down the project considerably, and scaled-up the city's contribution - which says little as their prior contribution had been zero!
With construction now set to begin in 2012, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed was delighted last week to hear from DOT Secretary Ray LaHood that his city had won a $48 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) II grant - having lost out entirely in the first round last February.
Initially, "the city had sought almost $300 million for a Peachtree streetcar that would run from downtown to Midtown. But under that proposal, the city put up no matching funds, which some say hurt Atlanta's chances.
The project will cost about $72 million, with $10 million coming from the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and about $15.6 million from the city as part of the local match for capital costs, Reed's office said.
The city also will provide up to $1 million annually in hotel/motel and car rental taxes for operations and maintenance."
From DOT Press Release: "An example of projects funded is $47.6 million to the City of Atlanta to construct a new streetcar line connecting many of the most important downtown residential, cultural, educational and historic centers, demonstrating the Department's commitment to improving quality of life in major metropolitan areas. "
From theTransportPolitic: TIGER II Grants Emphasize Limited Investments in Small and Mid-Size Communities: "After focusing on streetcar grants for big cities earlier in the year, the Department of Transportation takes a step back, providing funds for a number of smaller communities. Three big exceptions: Atlanta, Orlando, and Salt Lake City."
Thanks to Streetsblog San Francisco
FULL STORY: Ray LaHood Hands Atlanta a $48 Million Check for Streetcar Line
Expansion Planned for Atlanta Streetcar
A proposed expansion of Atlanta's beleaguered downtown streetcar could turn the 'novelty' line into a truly useful transportation option in the car-centric city.
Atlanta's Nascent Streetcar Systems Begins Charging, Critics Pounce
After a stumbling start getting off the ground, proponents of Atlanta's new streetcar see hope in its future while others question further investment.
Streetcar Extension Plan Approved in Atlanta
The transit map is being redrawn in Atlanta.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie