Coleman Asks For $200M For Light-Rail System
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Colemans Asks For Light Rail Funds
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is asking for $200 million from the federal government to build a 13-mile light rail system.
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is asking for $200 million from the federal government to build a 13-mile light rail system in Columbus as part of a $334.5 million economic stimulus package funding request.
Published: January 8, 2009
Updated: January 9, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman is asking for $200 million from the federal government to build a 13-mile light rail system in Columbus as part of a $334.5 million economic stimulus package funding request.
In a letter sent to President-elect Barack Obama last week, Coleman said his proposal would integrate the best elements of the 2006 North Corridor Light Rail Plan and the downtown streetcar plan.
The federal funding could provide for 70,000 jobs, officials said.
Tell us your thoughts on Coleman’s request and what you think by posting a comment blow.
A total project cost is not provided, and Coleman’s letter said the remainder of funding will be requested through federal, state and local sources to be determined over the next two years.
The proposed light rail system would stretch through the Short North, The Ohio State University campus and past Polaris Parkway.
Patrick Preston: “Is light rail the city’s top priority?“
Councilman Andrew Ginther: “You’ve got a couple top priorities. Light rail/mass transit is one of them.“
Ginther said that at a time when the city faces a nearly $96 million budget gap for 2009, the city needs new jobs and new tax revenue.
“The best way to help short- and long-term is to put people to work so they can pay income taxes on the jobs they’re doing,“ Ginther said.
Other major funding requests include:
- $26 million to renovate the old police building in downtown Columbus.
- $25 million to improve the infrastructure around Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
- $20 million for roadway and park improvements in the River South District.
But all other projects combined don’t add up to the investment the city is asking for in building a light rail system.
“Light rail/mass transit is where we need to go as a city and a region,“ Ginther said.
Coleman traveled to Washington, DC Thursday to take part in a briefing with Obama, alongside several other mayors and governors.
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Reader Reactions
Incredible! The North Corridor Light Rail Plan covered a length of nearly 25 miles. What 12 mile stretch is Coleman going to leave out? I am ashamed to hear the Mayor went to our President-elect and asked for a train set. Attention, Mayor Michael Coleman, your legacy has already been written. It is one of waste and absolute cluelessness!
I don’t know why this would surprise anyone. Look at the condition of our city. I guess this is what has been at the top of his priority list. At least we know what he’s been doing….I was beginning to wonder. If Obama even blinks an eye at the request, then we know that things are just going to continue to get worse. The people who keep voting for this mayor need to be held accountable.
The last thing this city needs, at this time, is a light rail system. WHO is going to ride this train? Oh yeah, the students and the people that rent and pay NO property taxes. And who will ultamately pay for this white elephant? Homeowners is the answer. Ask again Mr Coleman and I AGAIN will vote NO.
I am in utter amazement. A light rail system is the last thing this city needs right now. What is Coleman thinking? People can barely make ends meet and he wants to spend money on something so absurd. I hope nbc 4 shows all the negative feedback this story is going to get. I hope Obama thinks he’s crazy to and tells him NO!
Well if this isn’t so typical of an example of mismanagement of our city officials…Now this article is telling that our Mayor wants to get the Federal Government to give our city $200Mill for a light rail system? I’m thinking to myself…Like what Dr. Phil would say to Mayor Coleman…“What WERE you thinking?“
This is really truly an absurd thing to hear of. The Taxpayers of the city are already being threatened by a proposed tax increase or risk losing some of our vital services (like in, Police/Firemen? ...city rec centers are closing right and left? ...etc…), This is definitely a perfect example of mismanaging the city’s priorities… $200 Million would definitely do more for this city in many other areas. Investing the money into light rail cars now would definitely be the same of what has happened to our “Famous” City Center….HELLLLLOOOO!?!?!? This city is still known as Cowtown, and it’s definitely not big enough of a metropolitan area to require such a form of transportation…not yet! Get your priorities in line, taken care of and then we can talk/plan about projects like light rails.
Mayor Coleman insists on a light rail system to nowhere. He could better use the money to keep the Rec Centers open, revitalize the downtown area so people want to come downtown or any one of numerous other projects that would benefit the citizens of central Ohio so much better than a light rail/street car system. The Mayor seems to want a legacy for when he leaves office. A previous Mayor tried this and left a legacy of a Cash(Trash) Burning Power Plant. The current Mayor needs a reality check on what would benefit the people more.
Coleman is so misguided on what to do in this city. Over the time Colemas has been mayor the city has declined, lost jobs, and lost revenue. It is because of decisions like putting up archways in the Short North and ASKING FOR $200MILLION FOR A LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM. There needs to be a serious re-evaluation for this city and its leadership needs!
This ought to make the folks losing the community rec centers feel all warm and fuzzy. Just put your kids on the streetcars. They’ll get a real education there.
Coleman is a joke, but to criticize him is to be labeled a racist in this city.
$200 Million For A Light rail System For Central Ohio ??? Where would it go to ? Downtown where there is nothing and no projects to benefit downtown have ever worked out ? No shopping? Living downtown has been a bust ??? Could not $200 Million better benefit the schools or city infrastructure in another manner
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