MetroLink Proposed Green Line Project Cancelled After Federal Funding Concerns

MetroLink St. Louis

ST. LOUIS - A MetroLink Green Line that would traverse north to south is cancelled for St. Louis.

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said the project was “uncompetitive,” according to a St. Louis Public Radio report. Mayor Spencer went on to say the city needs a project that “meets our objectives and qualifies for federal funding, which is necessary to make the project viable.” The proposal included a 5.6-mile-long light rail line to connect Jefferson Avenue, Chippewa Street, and Fairground Park at a cost of $1.1 billion.

Light rail proposals have not been ruled out, as Mayor Spencer mentioned looking into alternatives to proposed plan. Previously in April, Mayor Spencer and Bi-State Development, “the institution that runs the MetroLink in Missouri and Illinois,” halted plans to develop the north-south track. The report states environmental reviews were underway, but they had stopped applications for federal funding. Bi-State Development was asked to provide more information on the project after Mayor Spencer expressed concern on federal grant funding.