These Tampa Projects Could Benefit From the Federal Infrastructure Bill

The city's aging streetcar line and historic Cass Street Bridge are among projects that could receive federal funding if Congress passes the current infrastructure package.

1 minute read

August 31, 2021, 10:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


TECO Line Streetcar System

Peter Titmuss / Shutterstock

Tampa's historic Cass Street Bridge and streetcar line are poised to receive federal infrastructure funding, reports Lloyd Sowers, making it possible to modernize and upgrade the aging bridge and outdated streetcar system. The streetcar, which runs on a 2.7-mile route connecting Ybor City to downtown Tampa, saw a threefold increase in ridership in 2019 when the city made fares free and increased frequency thanks to a $2.7 million state grant.

"The Tampa streetcar would get nearly $8 million to help replace the traditional streetcars with a sleek, larger, faster, modern streetcar system," while the bridge would receive $5 million for upgrades that "will further the mayor’s goal to reconnect neighborhoods" which, in the mayor's words, "have been split by the interstate or different roadways."   

If the federal package passes, Tampa would receive $20 million in federal funding that will also fund bus stop improvements for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) and contribute to Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico cleanup efforts.

Thursday, August 19, 2021 in Fox 13

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

1 hour ago - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

3 hours ago - The Washington Post

Bird's eye view of studio apartment design.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet

With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive