The Dallas-to-Oak Cliff Streetcar project in Texas may proceed toward construction after the project received environmental clearance this week with the Federal Transit Administration issuance of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on July 21. The decision means local, state and federal agencies concluded the project will not adversely affect the environment.

The 1.6-mile streetcar project is a collaborative endeavor involving the North Central Texas Council of Governments, City of Dallas and Dallas Area Rapid Transit, as well as the FTA. The FTA awarded the agencies $23 million in Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant funding for the transit project that will provide streetcar service from near Union Station in downtown Dallas to the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Beckley Avenue in Oak Cliff, Texas. The $35 million project also includes $12 million in Regional Toll Revenue funds. 



"In addition to creating much-needed jobs for workers in Dallas, this proposed streetcar line will advance economic growth in downtown neighborhoods by linking them with major employment centers throughout the region," said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff.

The FTA announcement means the project moves toward final design and construction. DART will soon seek a design/build contractor and begin purchasing streetcar vehicles.