Charlotte, NC — Project Development Approved

February 2014

The Federal Transit Administration [FTA] has approved development of Phase II of the Charlotte streetcar line, the Charlotte Observer reported on February 26. The FTA also has given a green light for the city to apply for a $63 million federal grant to pay 50% of the cost of building the extension. It would add 2.5 miles to the 1.5-mile Uptown starter line, creating a four-mile route.

The initial 1.5 mile stretch of the streetcar line is under construction, incorporating rail which was installed several years ago along part of the route. It will run on Trade Street from uptown to Presbyterian Hospital. The second phase would extend west toward Johnson C. Smith University, and east toward Central Avenue and Hawthorne Lane.

Subsequent phases could extend the route to 10 miles.

The FTA's approval clears the way for Charlotte to file a Small Starts application for $63 million in September. If awarded, this money would also repay the $12 million in planning funds allocated by the City Council recently.