Tucson ― Streetcar Construction Approved by FTA

Rail Transit Online, February 2011

The Federal Transit Administration approved Tucson's environmental plan in late January, allowing construction of a modem streetcar line to begin. The FTA found the $182-million, 3.6-mi. (5.8 km) project would create "no significant adverse impacts on the environment."

Tucson Transportation Director Jim Glock said he plans to seek bids on four contracts within the next few weeks. "We are through the majority of the hurdles one has to endure with any federal aid project," said Glock at a meeting of the Regional Transportation Authority.

An order for seven new cars has been placed with Oregon Iron Works subsidiary United Streetcar and Glock hopes to have the line in revenue service by mid-2013.