Why Streetcar Spending Is Good For Charlotte

Charlotte just won $25 million in grants from the federal government to combine with $12 million of local funds to build a streetcar system. Some say it's a waste of money. This editorial from The Charlotte Observer argues its case.

1 minute read

July 19, 2010, 1:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg

"In a recession, why spend millions on a silly uptown frill when they're laying off teachers and closing libraries?

It's easy to understand such a reaction. But government budgets make things more complex. Further, viewing a streetcar as just a people-mover uptown misses the bigger picture. It's a growth and development strategy. It's fiscally prudent in the long term and will have its most positive effect in areas outside uptown."

The editorial goes n to argue that even if the city hadn't accepted the federal government's grant, its own $12 million wouldn't have been able to go towards other city needs, like additional teachers and library aid.

Thanks to The Overhead Wire

FULL STORY: Streetcar is sound strategy, not silly frill

Sunday, July 18, 2010 in The Charlotte Observer

Community / Economic Development Government / Politics Infrastructure Transportation North Carolina Streetcars Federal Grants Charlotte View More

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