Explanation
This legislation will authorize the Director of the Department of Public Service to modify and extend the contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. (HDR) and local partners for services to continue exploration into financing scenarios, traffic engineering, and community outreach for the Downtown Streetcar Project (High Street Line as previously outlined in the Finance Plan presented on March 27, 2008).
It has been shown by significant research that such a urban streetcar line is feasible for Columbus, and could serve as a significant economic development driver (see Danter Study) as well as a starter segment of a broader regional fixed guide way transit system.
This contract is designed to help to answer further questions raised by members of Columbus City Council and continue on-going outreach and education to residents, businesses and interest groups.
This continuing effort will also endeavor to show how a modern streetcar system could be integrated into a larger, regional fixed guide way and statewide high-speed rail system.
Finally, it is the goal of this contract to also explore a path by which Columbus can be positioned competitively for Federal Funding under the reauthorization of the transportation legislation, scheduled for 2009, where it is anticipated a much-needed realignment of Federal transportation policy that encourages alternatives to automobile travel and highway expansion will occur.
As part of a broader vision for a regional rail service connecting suburbs, neighborhoods and downtown, the proposed High Street Line would be the first section of a modern fixed guide way system that will drive economic development along the High Street Corridor and serve as an alternative and complementary mode of transportation for employees, residents living in and around the benefit district (the densest urban neighborhoods in Columbus), college students, visitors and conventioneers seeking to travel among major destination centers...
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