Parsons selected as program management of Arlington Streetcar project

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Arlington and Fairfax Counties in Virginia have selected Parsons Transportation Group to help manage Arlington's streetcar program, which includes the Columbia Pike streetcar segment that the two counties are jointly building.

 

In the coming days, Arlington will sign a contract with Parsons to help manage both the Columbia Pike and Crystal City-Potomac Yard segments of Arlington’s planned 7.4-mile streetcar system.

“This is a major step forward for the streetcar project,” said Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette. “Parsons has a wealth of experience in delivering transportation projects, including rail projects, around the world. In the coming months, one of their primary tasks for our program will be to provide an objective review of the project and assess options for cost reduction, including exploring potential public-private partnerships.”

Initial work includes $7 million to $8 million of services and will be funded by state reimbursements and commercial real estate tax revenues that can only be spent for new transportation projects. There will be no homeowner-funded general obligation bonds used to fund the contract.

“Fairfax County supports the Columbia Pike Streetcar project and appreciates this partnership with Arlington to enhance transit in the Baileys and Skyline area of Fairfax,” said Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “This area was once meant to be served by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority system and the streetcar will deliver on this vision of transit-oriented development. The Columbia Pike Streetcar is an enormous revitalization and economic development opportunity for this area of the county.”

 

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