Ogden mayor drops city streetcar project
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey says he's put the brakes on a proposed $160 million streetcar system because the project is too expensive.
The Standard-Examiner of Ogden reports the city would have to double property taxes to cover the $80 million needed for construction and $2.3 million in annual operating costs. That's even if the federal government funded half the project.
Godfrey says the city just doesn't have the funds.
City councilmembers, however, say they'll go forward with a study on the streetcar's economic impact and the viability of securing federal funding.
The proposed streetcar line would link downtown Ogden with Weber State University and McKay-Dee Hospital.
The council contends the route would foster development and serve residents.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
The Mayor needs to get with it! You can't let a small matter like the cost of something get in the way of construction! These rail lines are too important to worry about affordability or higher taxes.
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