PDC Takes A Risk On Streetcar
Posted by: kmikeym | From: August 27, 2008
The Oregonian reports that the Portland Development Commission approved $5 million for design and engineering of a new streetcar route that would go across the broadway bridge and down to OMSI on the east side of the Willamette.
The risk is that the Federal Transit Authority has not yet agreed to provide grants for the construction of the new line, and without those funds Portland can't afford to extend the streetcar.
Yeah, it seems like they are really expecting that to help. I think it's the right call even if the project doesn't happen.
Posted by: Mikey at August 28, 2008 10:54 AM
TriMet and Portland Streetcar have been determined and creative about finding funding sources for new capital construction. I'm sure the FTA funds are just one part of a major effort; I'd expect them to succeed.
Also the way the game works is that the closer to "shovel ready" you are, the farther you can get with seeking funding. It sounds smart of them to push forward on design and engineering so that they can check that off the list.
Posted by: freddy at August 29, 2008 10:31 AM
Not much of a risk with a change of administration.
Posted by: rob w. at August 28, 2008 8:49 AM