Hamilton County Sheriff Supports the Streetcar

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported yesterday that Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis supports the Streetcar. He told the Enquirer about his trip to Portland, Oregon and his positive experience he had on their recently installed Streetcar system. He talked about the low fares and development that has been built along the line since it was installed.

The Cincinnati Streetcar system has been modeled after the system in Portland, Oregon. There was a feasibility study that was conducted in regards to the planned system for Cincinnati. Portland, Oregon spent $57 million to build its streetcar system and recouped $1.6 billion in development. According to research, the investment in Cincinnati could bring in $3 billion in development out of a $128 million investment for the lines from the Banks to Uptown. The study determined that there is a 14:1 cost benefit ratio.

The study was completed in 2007 that focused on creating a 4.5 mile loop from The Banks, through Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. The study suggested several extensions. The extensions include a line through Cincinnati's "Uptown" communities including the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Zoo, and the neighborhood of Clifton. Other possible lines could go out to Union Terminal, a line to the East End using abandoned track and a line connecting Downtown to Newport, Kentucky via the Taylor-Southgate Bridge to Newport on the Levee.

Now that federal, state and local funds have been secured for the project development should begin. These include funds from OKI, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio TRAC, city of Cincinnati bonds, local funds and a U.S. Department of Transportation grant. The initial phase is slated for completion by 2013.