Omaha residents skeptical of streetcar plans, questioning project's $150M price tag

Proponents of a modern streetcar in Omaha are going to have a steep hill to travel when they go to sell the public on the proposal.

Omahans are questioning the $150 million price tag for the project and asking why the city can’t use its share of that money to instead fix more streets, according to a World-Herald review of emails to City Hall.

City Council members say they’re also hearing a steady stream of questions from constituents, mostly from those who oppose the streetcar proposal or want more information.

Council members say people are asking about the cost and feasibility of the latest proposal for a streetcar, which would run between downtown and midtown. And Omahans who live and work outside the route are asking why their tax dollars should go toward the project.

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/omaha-residents-skeptical-of-streetcar-plans-questioning-project-s-m/article_9bffbe60-f3f0-5579-a623-e80c3769ed16.html