Seattle — Streetcar Approved

Rail Transit Online, May 2006

The Seattle City Council has given final approval for construction of the 1.3-mi. (2.1 km) streetcar line from Westlake Center to South Lake Union even though not all of the required $49 million has been raised.  The shortfall of $2.8 million may have to be made up by the city, although officials are hoping to obtain a federal economic-development grant.  Nearly half the cost — $25 million — is being contributed by owners of property along the route who presumably will benefit from improved transportation.  Work on the line could begin by late summer and be completed in about 16 months.