FONZI in hand, Cincinnati streetcar advances
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefThe Federal Transit Administration Tuesday declared a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONZI) for Cincinnati’s proposed 3.0-mile streetcar, clearing the way for the use of $29 million in federal funds already allocated to the project.
“The federal government has examined the project and given it a full green light,” said Cincinnati City Manager Milton Dohoney in a statement. “We continue on the path to build the streetcar to help grow the local economy, bring jobs, and revitalize key areas for the city.” The release also identified Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority as the likely operator of the streetcar; SORTA will oversee the use of federal funds and compliance with FTA regulations.
The first segment of the project is to link the city’s Fountain Square with Findlay Market Findlay Market. The project has been scaled back due to the withdrawal of $52 million in state funding, previously approved, following vocal opposition to passenger rail projects by Gov. John Kasich. The revised first-phase plan is estimated to cost $95 million.
The city hopes the line eventually will run from The Banks on Cincinnati’s riverfront, serving two sports stadiums, to Uptown, the area around the University of Cincinnati, the region‘s major hospitals, and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
