Sacramento Streetcar Clears Hurdle, Despite Opponents' Desires

SACRAMENTO - The controversial streetcar proposal to connect West Sacramento and downtown clears its first hurdle.

The over all project will cost $150 million, but the initial $10.2 million contract was voted to begin its initial phase, to award a contract for Downtown Riverfront Streetcar design services to HDR, Inc.

It's a 3.3 mile line that will run from the West Sacramento Civic Center to the Midtown District in the city of Sacramento.

Councilman Steve Hansen is a big proponent and said the project will reduce traffic and promote better air quality.

"Believe this project is very important so I'd be hesitant to see it be delayed, especially since half of the money is apparently already available," he said.

But there was definite opposition.

"I have some concerns over this particular contract," said one concerned citizen.

"These things don't make any sense. They don't add up," said another person during public comment on Monday night.

In fact voters in the area voted the measure down last June to add a tax on residents.

"We strongly oppose spending $10 million for streetcar at this point. The financial plan has not been established and it's improper to commit the funds. Doesn't matter whether their local or federal funds, it's still taxpayers dollars," said another woman during public comment.

They weren't alone. A few other members on the Regional Transit Board also expressed concerns.

"It results in a lot of great effort to plan and design something either that's not going to materialize in The near future meaning, in the same decade, I have some issue with that," said Phil Serna, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors with District 1.

Despite opposition, the first phase of the project was approved, allowing for the project to appoint a contact for the Downtown Riverfront Street Car Design Service to HDR, Inc. The last three stages must be approved by the board before moving forward.

"I know it's not everybody's favorite project but in the city it's an important project," said Hansen.

He also expressed to the public that the board needed to move forward with the project in order to continue to get federal grant money with the changing administration come November.