Fourth Friday Flash

A Public Affairs Update From

The Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council

 By Thad Brundrett

July 25, 2008

Fort Worth City Council Appoints Advisory Committee to Review Feasibility of
an Urban Street Car (trolley) System

Mayor Mike Moncrief and the city council have appointed a 15 person committee to review the feasibility of an urban street car system in Fort Worth.  The committee will undertake these tasks:

• Review Fort Worth's previous streetcar studies;

• Review light rail and streetcar systems in peer cities;

• Conduct a preliminary assessment of costs and benefits, including
  potential funding sources; and

• Determine if a streetcar or light rail system is worth pursuing at this
  time.

iI the committee determines an urban street car system is feasible and
desirable, it will undertake the following actions:

• Identify the starter corridor;

• Identify potential funding sources and prepare a preliminary funding
  strategy; and

• Identify next steps for implementation

The committee is being chaired by Downtown Fort Worth Inc. head Andy Taft. Greater Fort Worth Real Estate Council board members Ed Casebier and Phillip Poole were appointed to the Committee by Mayor Moncrief.  GFWREC member Jeff Davis was appointed by District 9 Councilman Joel Burns.

The Committee began meeting last week and has taken a rail tour in Dallas. As they continue their work we will keep you informed.  If you have any questions, I would encourage you to contact Ed, Phillip or Jeff.