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.
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federal infrastructure funding, reports Lloyd Sowers, making it possible to modernize and upgrade the aging bridge and outdated streetcar system.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.
FULL STORY: Tampa's historic Cass Street Bridge, streetcar line to benefit from Invest in America Act funds
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