Tucson ― Streetcar Secures Federal Grant

Rail Transit Online, January 2011

Tucson's transportation department managed to finalize a $63-million Federal Transportation Administration grant for its downtown streetcar project ahead of a self-imposed Dec. 31 deadline, ensuring that the money can't be rescinded by the new Congress. The city had to complete a supplemental environmental impact statement, a final financing plan and a construction schedule approved by the FTA before the grant would be released; Transportation Director Jim Glock electronically signed the completed documents on Dec. 28.

Republicans, who now have a majority in the House, will reportedly target any unobligated federal stimulus funds as part of their campaign to cut spending, including the TIGER program.

"Basically we're now protected from any sweeps from the new Congress," Glock told the Arizona Daily Star. The money will actually be available after final approval of the SETS, which is expected by the end of this month although the deadline is Mar. 30.

The $196-million, 3.6-mi. (5.8 km) modem streetcar line will connect the University Medical Center, the University of Arizona campus, downtown and the Rio Nuevo cultural center.