Letters of Support for Streetcars and Caps

Letters of Support for Streetcars and Caps

Thursday, January 18, 2007

I am writing you regarding proposed updates to MORPC’s funding programs, and to express our clear support for streetcars and our intention to see caps built over the yet-to-be re-constructed downtown sections of I-70/I-71. MORPC is soliciting public commentary on community funding priorities, with final adoption of the changes by the Policy Committee, of which I am a member, expected at its next meeting, February 8, 2007.

The City is asking MORPC to consider working as a funding partner for the I-70/I-71 Caps proposal. We hope that MORPC’s Policy Committee will join the City and ODOT in this important project. ODOT and the City are negotiating plans for building retail and plaza caps along with the freeway’s much needed reconstruction.

The City of Columbus supports both of these important economic development projects because they will bring jobs, reconnect our neighborhoods and downtown and spur economic development to the entire region.

We believe the Caps and Streetcars are two of the most important public improvement projects for Columbus and central Ohio’s long-term economic future.

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