Today at 3pm, Cincinnati City Council’s Finance Committee will debate whether to set aside $3.5 million, from the sale of city streetlights to Duke Energy last year, for the Cincinnati Streetcar. When the sale initially took place, the $3.5 million commitment seemed like a sure allocation for the Cincinnati Streetcar, but with a new City Council in place the issue is being debated once again.
Supporters of the Cincinnati Streetcar are encouraging the public to come and speak at the meeting, or at the very least show up in support of the Cincinnati Streetcar. Within the next month or so Cincinnati should find out if it will receive the necessary federal and state funds to make the project a reality, and allocating this $3.5 million is a clear indication of the local support for the project.
Local support is critical when applying for federal and state funding, and the lack of clear local support can often cost projects valuable dollars. So while the previous City Council indicated its support and committed the $3.5 million for the Cincinnati Streetcar, the same does not hold true for the new City Council elected this past November and it could spell serious trouble for the transportation project.
The Finance Committee will meet in the City Council Chambers located at Cincinnati City Hall (map). City Hall is well-served by Queen City Metro routes 1, 6, 10, 32, 33, 40X, 49, and 50. To see which route is most convenient for you, and to plan your trip now, use Metro’s Trip Planner.
