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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