The DART Board decided to move forward with a financial plan that funds both the Cotton Belt light rail line and the D2 subway.
Julie Fancher reports: " A sea of yellow and green — supporters of the Cotton Belt rail line in yellow and downtown subway in green — filled the Dallas Area Rapid Transit board meeting Tuesday night as officials finally voted on their 20-year financial plan that had left many wondering which long-term project the board would support."
The DART Board "voted 12-3 to fund both the Cotton Belt rail line and the subway version of a second downtown light rail, known as the D2 subway, as part of their 2017 20-year financial plan."
"DART officials expect to complete the projects in the next six years. Both projects would cost more than $1 billion each," adds Fancher.
The decision to fund both projects reverse course slightly from a decision earlier in the month by the Dallas City Council to prioritize the subway. By supporting the plan to fund and build both projects, however, the subway proposal will now depend on $650 million in federal grant money that has not yet been secured.
FULL STORY: DART votes to fund both downtown subway and suburban rail
Seeking a Voice for Suburban Transit Interests in Dallas
An advocate for the Cotton Belt line to connect Dallas with suburbs to the north is tired of the project taking a backseat to the transit interests of the urban core.
Dallas Adopts an Urban-Centric Vision for its Transit Future
The Dallas City Council picked a side with regard to the D2 line (it prefers a subway to above ground light rail) and the proposed Cotton Belt line (it can wait).
Dallas Subway Project Gets a Key Green Light
The Dallas City Council kept the d2 subway plan on track with a vote this week.
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