Recession Forces Charlotte to Cut Down Light Rail Construction

Two new light rail projects near Charlotte were planned to get built at the same time, but the economic recession is forcing officials to choose one and delay the other.

1 minute read

April 24, 2009, 2:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg


"The most recent CATS construction plan, from 2006, called for building the two rail lines almost simultaneously, with construction on the commuter line starting first."

"But the recession has damaged CATS finances, making it difficult to build both lines at the same time."

"The commuter train is shovel ready, but CATS chief executive Keith Parker said he wants to delay any construction until more engineering work is finished on the light-rail extension."

Thursday, April 23, 2009 in The Charlotte Observer

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