This is a call to action for all progressives, public transportation advocates, and those others who see the value in public transportation infrastructure investments. You may have heard about the former Fox News anchor and how he is now the Governor of Ohio. You may also have heard about how he has returned $400 Million in grants to the federal government because he doesn't want to use them for the purpose that they were intended: To upgrade our state rail infrastructure (freight and passenger) and operate a passenger rail network along those upgraded lines.
The public fight for better transportation options lives on, however, and Cincinnati's Progressive movement (the one that won Ohio for Obama in the 2008 Primary, and the same one that voted overwhelmingly for Jennifer Brunner in the 2010 Senate Primary) is rolling ahead. But... as always we need to reach out to our friends in the 'Net roots for help.
On Wednesday, Feb. 16th at 5:30pm there will be a major fundraiser and networking event at Grammer's Bar (1442 Walnut St.) in Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
This campaign is necessary, as the local opponents of public transportation have pledged to place an issue on the ballot this year to block spending any money whether city, state, federal, donated, or otherwise, by the city and its agents on any future Streetcar system (or other light rail systems which fall under the Ohio Revised Code description of "streetcar").
The region created a vision known as Metro Moves back in 2002 which included a number of light rail lines, a streetcar network (the one proposed today), some commuter rail lines, and a newly-routed bus network, to create a regional transportation network that would extend and replace today's system which primarily consists of a number of bus lines that follow almost the same paths originally laid as old-style trolley and interurban rail lines since the 1920's. Since that measure's failure in 2002, city leadership and a growing grass-roots network of transit advocates have been researching and planning the proposed modern streetcar line that was part of that initial plan.
After nearly a decade of research and planning, the city has secured nearly $90 Million in grant funding to pair with $64 Million in local funding to build a modern-day streetcar system. Among the six streetcar systems planned, Cincinnati's will have the widest economic impact, by linking together the region's two biggest daytime employment hubs. Additionally, save for a small auxilliary spur proposed in Salt Lake City, UT, Cincinnati's system will be the lowest-cost Streetcar line proposal to break ground this year, by far. That's what can happen if planners do their job well, and plan over many years and many studies, an optimal system. This proposed system is already drawing new business interest, as well as encouraging existing business to remain and expand along the proposed line.
As usual, detractors have only become emboldened in their opposition to the project, and are fighting tooth-and-nail to stop Cincinnati from building what will be the first stepping stone in the nation's next regional rail system in the largest Metropolitan area not yet served by passenger rail transit. This will be a spring-board to reviving our city's never used, yet well maintained subway system, and will go a long way to help repopulate our city's urban core. Help be a progressive agent for change in Cincinnati. Help start a transportation revolution in Ohio. Get on board!