Streetcars approved in concept, hard work begins

Cincinnati City Council has approved a motion to build a streetcar system linking Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Uptown, but the struggle for its supporters is hardly over.

Funding for the estimated $185 million total cost is still an issue.

The project’s $102 million first phase, a loop running between The Banks and McMicken Street in Over-the-Rhine, still requires $31 million in private sources before it can be built.

Additional funding will come from capital bonds, tax increment financing district revenues, the sale of the Blue Ash Airport, and state grants.

Council also added an Uptown connector line to the first phase, adding $35 million to the up-front costs.

The city currently has no source of funding for the connector.

The motion gives city manager Milton Dohoney Jr. the authority to begin seeking private funding.

Add the fact that it’s a motion – not an ordinance – that doesn’t require the city to commit any funds.

For the $45 million to $50 million second phase, which will complete the Uptown loop, the city is expected to seek federal funding.

If funding is identified quickly, the streetcars could be running by 2011.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
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