Charlotte just won $25 million in grants from the federal government to combine with $12 million of local funds to build a streetcar system. Some say it's a waste of money. This editorial from The Charlotte Observer argues its case.
"In a recession, why spend millions on a silly uptown frill when they're laying off teachers and closing libraries?
It's easy to understand such a reaction. But government budgets make things more complex. Further, viewing a streetcar as just a people-mover uptown misses the bigger picture. It's a growth and development strategy. It's fiscally prudent in the long term and will have its most positive effect in areas outside uptown."
The editorial goes n to argue that even if the city hadn't accepted the federal government's grant, its own $12 million wouldn't have been able to go towards other city needs, like additional teachers and library aid.
Thanks to The Overhead Wire
Read the full story: Streetcar is sound strategy, not silly frill
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