Flush with federal stimulus cash and angling for more, planners in Atlanta will explore alignment for a potential rail transit connection to the Beltline.
Josh Green reports that the Board of Directors for MARTA recently voted to authorize $500,000 to study the feasibility of extending the Atlanta Streetcar system into the BeltLine corridor.
According to Green the feasibility study will "improve the chance of federal cash helping to foot the bill for light-rail transit along the Atlanta BeltLine." MARTA received $284 million in the latest round of COVID-19 rescue funds. In all, MARTA has received $331 million in federal aid during the pandemic.
"Exactly how MARTA will spend its share remains to be seen. But don't expect zippy new rail lines to The Battery Atlanta or Stonecrest to break ground this year on the fed's dime," writes Green.
The latest feasibility study is meant to build on that momentum and prepare for more. "MARTA officials call the analysis crucial for requesting federal funding to extend the Atlanta Streetcar system into the BeltLine corridor, determining how to mesh light rail with existing MARTA lines around the city, and addressing connectivity 'gaps' they’ve identified in a previous study."
FULL STORY: MARTA takes step forward in bringing transit to Atlanta BeltLine
What's in the New Economic Stimulus Package for U.S. Transit Agencies
A new economic stimulus package that appears headed for approval as of this writing will give $15 billion to public transit, far less than transit advocates had hoped, but far better than nothing.
How $30 Billion in Stimulus Funding Would Change the Equation for Transit Agencies
The funding in the draft stimulus funding package making its way through Congress falls short of the total requested by the American Public Transportation Association, but would go a long way to helping transit agencies weather the pandemic.
New York, Boston Transit Agencies Back Off Proposed Cuts
News of a potential economic stimulus package in Congress is followed by news that two of the nation's most prominent transit systems are reducing cuts proposed to address plummeting revenues.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service