URS Corp. has been awarded a $198,425 contract by the
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority to study a proposed
streetcar extension between the Tampa Convention Center and downtown. The
scope of work includes an environmental assessment and engineering services
that will determine the purpose, need and feasibility of the project. URS
will define the alignment, provide cost estimates, identify potential
station locations and provide ridership projections. A final report should
be ready in about six months. The three-eighths-mile (603.5 meter)
extension of the existing 2.3-mi. (3.7 km) TECO Line Streetcar, north up
Franklin Street from Channelside Drive to Whiting Street, has been under
consideration for some time but has been blocked by political opposition and
lack of financial support from the city.
