The Loop Trolley Transportation Development District announced today that it has accepted a nearly $25 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The grant was initially approved in July 2010, but only funds for design work were released at that time. Now, this final approval gives the Loop Trolley Transportation Development District access to the funds to initiate construction, which, according to plans released in May, is expected to cost around $43 million.
“A fixed-track vintage trolley system built in a first-class manner can add to quality of life, increase tourism and spur economic development,” said Joe Edwards, chairman of the Loop Trolley Transportation Development District, in a press release. “The heritage trolley can be an environmentally positive attraction as well as a prototype for connecting other areas in St. Louis through clean electric transit. It will be a source of pride for the metropolitan area.”
The trolley system, now scheduled to open in mid-2014, will be a 2.2-mile fixed-track line from the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park to the University City Library on Delmar. The goal of the trolley is to improve economic development and livability along Delmar east of Skinker and along DeBaliviere.
Annual operating costs are expected to be around $1.3 million, supported by fares, the Transportation Development District, and advertising and institutional subsidies.
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