Fort Lauderdale — Downtown Circulator Makes Progress

Rail Transit Online, September 2008

The Broward County Commission on Sept. 9 voted to make itself the owner and operator of a proposed 2.7-mi. (4.34 km) downtown streetcar circulator for the next 20 years. The agency would also be responsible for an estimated $2.5 million in annual operating costs.

According to the approved resolution, the measure "...allows the county's transportation department staff to assume an official role as project sponsor/operator/project manager." The commission's vote is considered significant because it authorizes an application to the federal government for $75 million in funding under the Small Starts program; so far, the FTA hasn't awarded a single streetcar grant and appears to have an anti-rail policy.

Another $10.5 million would be contributed by the city of Fort Lauderdale and $37.5 million has been promised by the state of Florida. The final $27 million would come from a downtown property assessment district.

The scheme, named "The Wave," was previously under the jurisdiction of the Downtown Development Authority of Fort Lauderdale. Officials now hope to have the double-track line running in 2012.