The city of St. Louis is taking the first official steps toward the ambitious Northside-Southside MetroLink proposal.

Leah Thorsen reports on the early efforts to evaluate a proposed Northside-Southside MetroLink route in St. Louis.
Early into the study, according to Thorsen, "a main focus is learning what has changed since the route last was examined in 2008" while looking for ways to "connect to the $1.75 billion National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency headquarters set to be built just northwest of downtown…"
Thorsen quotes Dan Meyers, a project manager with AECOM, which is leading the consulting team for the study, to explain the initial steps of the study. One early benchmark to look for is a community engagement plan—expected to be implemented as early as April or May.
Thorsen also describes the current, speculative vision for the project: "A 31-mile route from north St. Louis County through the city and into south St. Louis…with a pricetag estimated at $2.2 billion."
Planetizen last checked in with the Northside-Southside project in June 2016, when the long-serving mayor of the city, Francis Slay, expressed strong support for the project.
FULL STORY: MetroLink study to focus on justifying project, showing strong local financial commitment

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
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