Tucson ― Streetcar Faces Funding Obstacles

Rail Transit Online, September 2010

Tucson city officials must find an additional $26 million to close a funding gap in the budget for the $182-million modern streetcar project. The Federal Transportation Administration rejected an application for a $19-million grant, adding financial pressure now that the design is at the 60-percent level.

"The strategies we've pursued is to look for any and all grant opportunities," Tucson Transportation Director Jim Glock told KTTU-TV News. Glock said he will apply for funding under the next round of the federal TIGER program, adding that the estimated capital cost is actually declining as design work advances.

The 3.6-mi. (5.8 km) line will connect the University Medical Center, the University of Arizona campus, downtown and the Rio Nuevo cultural center.

www.tucsontransitstudy.com