Media Relations Contact:
Amanda Wilson, North Central Texas Council of Governments

Tom Shelton, North Central Texas Council of Governments

July 27, 2011

1.6-mile Economic Recovery project connecting downtown Dallas to Oak Cliff moves ahead

Federal Transit Administration Environmentally Clears Dallas Streetcar Project

July 26, 2011 (Arlington, Texas) - The Dallas-to-Oak Cliff Streetcar project may proceed toward construction after the project received environmental clearance this week with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issuance of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on July 21. The decision means local, state and federal agencies concluded the project will not adversely affect the environment.

The 1.6-mile streetcar project is a collaborative endeavor involving the North Central Texas Council of Governments, City of Dallas, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) as well as the FTA. The FTA awarded the agencies $23 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant funding for the transit project that will provide streetcar service from near Union Station in downtown Dallas to the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Beckley Avenue in Oak Cliff. The $35 million project also includes $12 million in Regional Toll Revenue funds.

"In addition to creating much-needed jobs for workers in Dallas, this proposed streetcar line will advance economic growth in downtown neighborhoods by linking them with major employment centers throughout the region," said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff.

The FTA announcement means the project moves toward final design and construction. DART will soon seek a design/build contractor and begin purchasing streetcar vehicles.

The project will provide a much-needed link between the downtown core and North Oak Cliff via the Houston Street Viaduct over the Trinity River and offer easy connection to other transit options at Union Station. Increased transportation options and connectivity mean enhanced access to employment, education and entertainment centers.

About the North Central Texas Council of Governments:
NCTCOG is a voluntary association of local governments established in 1966 to assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development. NCTCOG's purpose is to strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication and make joint decisions.

NCTCOG serves a 16-county region of North Central Texas, which is centered on the two urban centers of Dallas and Fort Worth. Currently, NCTCOG has 240 member governments including 16 counties, 170 cities, 24 school districts and 30 special districts.