Tucson's modern streetcar construction is expected to begin in mid-March, and for businesses along the route, it couldn't start soon enough.
The completed 3.9-mile streetcar line will connect the University of Arizona, the Fourth Avenue district, the downtown area and the city's west side, connecting businesses to many potential customers.
But who ultimately controls the facilities is still a point of contention.
Recent news headlines hinted at a dispute between the City of Tucson and the Regional Transportation Authority that could potentially jeopardize the modern streetcar.
The transportation plan, approved by voters in 2006, requires the RTA to contribute $75 million toward the $197 million project. But, before the RTA hands over the final portion of the funding, its board said it wanted a final agreement on who owns the system--physical assets, such as the tracks and cars--when it’s done.
Carlos de Leon, director of transit services for the RTA, says a new inter-governmental agreement that was accepted by the city council on Tuesday allows for the city of Tucson to tap into the $20 million dollars stilled owed by the RTA as construction begins this month. But it leaves the question of ownership unanswered, he says.
Regina Romero, Ward 1 council member in Tucson, says that the project is not in danger of being derailed, and is well past the point of no return in terms of funding. But she admits the negotiations have been frustrating.
“I find it very disheartening, and really not working in good faith, that they hold up a check that we need to start construction and say, ‘You know what? We’re changing our mind, and in order for us to give you the money we need you to change this part of the intergovernmental agreement,’” she says.
All funding has been agreed upon but ownership of the assets will be negotiated at a future date.
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You can learn about the construction of the modern streetcar - including when construction is coming to your area - at meetings next week.
Three open-house meetings are planned for:
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at the Arizona Historical Society, 949 E. Second Street
• 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Tucson High School, 400 N. Second Avenue
• 2 p.m. Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Fire Central, 300 S. Fire Central Place, near the Tucson Convention Center
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