Breaking Ground on the Atlanta Streetcar

February 1st, 2012

There were shovels in an Atlanta street this morning to break ground for the Atlanta Streetcar project. It’s also a sign city and state leaders have learned how to win federal money.

In late 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation said it would give Atlanta $47 million. The money will fund more than half of the Streetcar. The more than mile long rail line will run between Atlanta’s downtown and Sweet Auburn neighborhoods.

The line should be up and running early next year. But, earlier today, Mayor Kasim Reed said it’s time for construction.

“We’re all here today to get shovels in the ground and to begin real progress,” said Reed.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and city leaders dug shovels into Jackson Street near Auburn Avenue. LaHood remembers being in Atlanta in 2009 when city was getting used to not winning federal grants.

“What I said was, “Get you act together,” said LaHood. “I’m delighted to announce to all of you that Atlanta and Georgia has its act together.”

Since 2009, the state set up this summer’s transportation tax vote. Plus, two separate studies have started. One is about a building a transportation terminal in downtown Atlanta. The other is about high speed rail. A.J. Robinson is President of Central Atlanta Progress.

“All of this has occurred since Secretary LaHood kicked us in the rear end,” said Robinson. “So, I think people got the message.”

Many say the message is the city and the state have to work together in order to win federal grants for transportation. Now, that framework seems to be in place. Atlanta and Georgia leaders are pushing for federal money including plans to deepen the port in Savannah.