Chattanooga gets grant for light rail study
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – Chattanooga leaders say a federal grant will help pay for a study to determine whether a light rail public transportation system would be feasible for the city.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports (http://bit.ly/1fIEhb6) the city announced Monday that it was chosen to receive a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Transportation Department. The city is chipping in another $300,000 for the study that will evaluate the project that is estimated to cost $35 million.
The plan calls for leaning heavily on existing tracks to which the city can acquire the rights. The study will focus on factors such as passenger demand, route options and fare structure.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke says the study is the first step in “putting our railroads back to use” and improving the quality of life in the city.
