September 30, 2009
The real question is 'Can we afford not to build a streetcar?'
READER'S VIEW STREETCAR PLAN
BY DAVID H. BIETER - Idaho Statesman
READER'S VIEW STREETCAR PLAN
Boise's history is filled with key moments when its citizens took decisive action to ensure our future. The creation of a rail loop off the main line to provide train service to the city, investment in the Greenbelt and landmark Boise parks, the preservation of the Boise Foothills - all were the result of big decisions and sound investments. All helped make Boise the wonderful, livable city we love.We need to get our economy back on track - on that everyone agrees. During these difficult times, government and business must work as partners to jump-start the essential, high-impact projects that will get our economy and our people moving again.
For our community, that project is the Boise Streetcar System.
The Streetcar Task Force was formed in 2008 to study how best to build a streetcar system in Boise. While the Task Force's work will conclude in the next few months, the public outreach has just begun. I encourage you to learn more about the streetcar and provide your input at our first open house 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday in the storefront at 821 W. Idaho St.
Look at streetcar systems in cities across the country, and you'll find a consistent record of success. Kenosha, Wis., population 96,000, has enjoyed $150 million of new investment since installing its streetcar. Little Rock, Ark. - a city similar in size to Boise - has seen more than $400 million of new investment along its streetcar line. Larger cities such as Portland, Seattle, Tampa and Memphis each have seen investment in the billions. Economic experts estimate that phase one of the Boise Streetcar would generate $2.1 billion of new investment and 3,970 new jobs in Boise over the next 20 years. The streetcar system also would promote lower taxes by attracting new development to areas with existing roads, sidewalks, water and sewer lines and other utilities.
Additionally, streetcar systems run within existing lanes and cost far less than light-rail systems, which require a dedicated track outside the right-of-way. With proven benefits as great as these, the real question is, "Can we afford not to build a streetcar?"
But the value of the streetcar system doesn't end with its economic benefits.
The streetcar also will be a vital next step in establishing a successful regionwide transit system - identified in our citizen survey as one of Boise's highest priorities. COMPASS, the lead transportation planning agency for the Valley, sees the wisdom of streetcars: On July 27, the COMPASS board, which includes elected officials from Ada and Canyon counties, voted to make the streetcar project one of its top federal stimulus priorities.
Why do elected officials from Canyon County support the Boise Streetcar System? Because they know that phase one of the Boise Streetcar would be a catalyst for creation of a broader transit system to serve Ada and Canyon counties for decades to come. That system would include enhanced bus service with more routes, shorter wait times and high-capacity corridors; a commuter rail service across the Valley; and an expanded streetcar system with lines to Boise State, the 30th Street River Recreation Park and eventually the airport. The contention by some that we must choose between bus or rail service is a false dilemma. The answer to our transit problem is bus and rail.
Once again, Boise faces a vital decision that will define its character in the years ahead. Like the civic leaders before us, we must protect Boise's future by taking decisive action in the present. The Boise Streetcar System is that action.
Let's get moving.
David H. Bieter is mayor of Boise.
