Charlotte, NC — Mayor Vetoes Streetcar Contract

Rail Transit Online – September 2009

Plans for the streetcar component of the region's 2025 Corridor System Plan may have to be delayed if Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory's veto of a $4.5-million contract with URS Corp. to design the line is upheld.

McCrory said he supports the 10-mi. (16.1 km), $500-million project, which would start at Presbyterian Hospital and serve downtown, then run northwest along Beatties Ford Road and northeast up Elizabeth and Central avenues to Eastland Mall. However, there is no construction money available and the mayor says the city has to be "pragmatic."

However, the city council approved the measure by a 7-4 vote — all of those opposed are Republicans — but only seven votes are needed to override a
mayoral veto.

The city took responsibility for the streetcar last year when the Charlotte Area Transit System said it could not afford it as well as two other expensive projects, a light rail extension to University City and a commuter rail line to the Lake Norman area.

www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Rapid+Transit+Planning/Center+City/Home.htm