Raleigh struck out on its bid for money to upgrade New Bern Avenue with sidewalks and super bus service, but Charlotte hit it big today with a $25 million federal grant to start building a downtown streetcar line.
The Federal Transit Administration announced $293 million in grants for urban circulators and downtown livability programs. Charlotte was among six cities that won the maximum $25 million for downtown circulators:
Project: Charlotte Streetcar Starter Project (Urban Circulator)
Sponsor: City of Charlotte
Amount: $24,990,000
The City of Charlotte will build a 1.5-mile streetcar starter route with six stops and three replica trolleys, in advance of a future 10-mile streetcar route. The project would be implemented on a reconstructed street already built with a double-track for streetcar vehicles and pedestrian and urban design enhancements along part of the alignment. The operating agency already has the streetcars and will provide the all of the vehicles required to operate the project.
Asheville also won $428,000 to buy five hybrid and diesel buses.
New Bern Avenue is Raleigh’s eastern gateway street and its busiest bus route. The city sought $11.1 million in federal funds for a $13.9 million proposal to repave New Bern, line it with sidewalks and add a bus rapid transit route with 12 sheltered stops.
“We’ll continue to look for ways to fund that very worthwhile project,” said David Eatman, Raleigh’s transit administrator.
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. A News & Observer reporter, editor and blogger since 1976, he took over the
Comments
It's simple really
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 14:31 — GSingCharlotte requested money to spend on a system that would service all and take them where they want to go.
Raleigh requested money to service a few and take them away from where they don't want to be.
SE Raleigh continues to be a sewer that the local residents care little about and do little to improve. You can't buy cleanliness, pride and dedication. Just ask the governor.
Serves Chuck the Smuck right
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 13:58 — REAGAN99I don't feel sorry for Chuck the Smuck. Perhaps he should focus more on doing his job and trying harder to get Raleigh all the federal money he can, instead of butting into school board issues. I guess he tries to be a shadow ghost with his wife. With the way the Feds give away money Chuck ought to be able to get a boat of cash for the area.
Must be the lack of diversity
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 12:58 — MissVAmong Raleigh's political leadership. Or too many media-inspired marches.
What can I say?
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 12:42 — arickmondCharlotte doesn't haven't have the dynamic duo of Charley and Russ. Come to think of it, would we be better off with Batman and Robin?? Porbably!
This is why Charlotte has better mass transit
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 12:40 — RonBThat giant sucking sound is our tax dollars going for a trip down 40 and 85 to the southwest.
The Triangle continues to fund the Queen city's mass transit and gets nothing in return. Heck, even with personal transit, Charlotte gets free loop roads while we pay tolls. I'm sure Pat McCrory is *still* angry about how Charlotte does not get enough.
It is bad enough that state and federal tax dollars are still paying for Charlotte's light rail, but now we should continue to accept inferior bus service to pay for their street car line?
Are they getting this to be ready for a certain convention in the summer of 2012?
Throwing money down a sewer is underused projects like NC 540 and various Down East projects that continue to fail to meet predicted traffic count estimates. Transportation dollars continue to chase "what if"s instead of solving today's needs.
I don't blame the feds, it
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 12:09 — GSingI don't blame the feds, it would have been throwing money down a sewer.
fund raising ideas ask the neighborhood to sell cakes and lemona
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 12:00 — jejohn8