GEORGIA TRANSIT CONNECTOR: ATLANTA STREETCAR
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Georgia Transit Connector:
Atlanta Streetcar
TIGER II Funding Application
Project Narrative
Contact Info:
Luz Borrero
Deputy Chief Operating Officer
City of Atlanta
55 Trinity Ave, Suite 2400
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-330-6976
LBorrero@Atlantaga.gov
Application ID: shelley6781-1548
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative
Table of Contents
I. Project Description...3 Table 10 Critical Populations within ¼ mile of
II. Project Parties...8 the Streetcar Route
III. Grant Funds and Sources/Uses of Table 11 Six (6) DOT / HUD / EPA Livability
Project Funds...9 Principles
IV. Selection Criteria...12 Table 12 Atlanta Unemployment Rates by
Population Group
a. Long-Term Outcomes...12
i. State of Good Repair...13
ii. Economic Competitiveness...15
List of Figures
Figure 1 Atlanta Streetcar Route
iii. Livability...16
Figure 2 Atlanta Streetcar Neighborhood and
iv. Sustainability...20
Livability Attributes
v. Safety...21
Figure 3 Economic Development
b. Job Creation and Economic Opportunities within 1/4 Mile of the
Stimulus...21 Atlanta Streetcar
c. Innovation...22
d. Partnership...24 Appendices
V. Project Readiness and NEPA...25 Appendix A Benefit Cost Analysis
VI. Federal Wage Rate Certifications...27 Appendix B Funding Commitments
VII. Final Page of the Application: (Ordinances and Resolutions)
Any Material Changes to Pre- Appendix C Operations & Maintenance
Application...28 (O&M) Cost Estimation
Methodology Report
List of Tables Appendix D Detail of Capital Costs Worksheet
Table 1 Key Destinations and Attractions Appendix E Letters of Support
Served by the Streetcar Appendix F Project Construction and Schedule
Table 2 Connections to Existing Transportation Detail
Modes and Infrastructure Appendix G Project Plan Drawings
Table 3 Partnership Entities and Their Roles
Table 4 Operations and Maintenance Funding *All appendix documents can be
Commitments found at the project website: www.
Table 5 Capital Costs georgiatransitconnector.org/appendices
Table 6 Capital Funding Sources
Table 7 Revenue for Annual Operations
and Maintenance Costs
Table 8 Summary Quantifiable Long-Term
Benefits and Project Costs
Table 9 Consistency with Plans and Initiatives
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 3
I. Project Description
Georgia Transit Connector represents a Edgewood Avenue, and Jackson Street to the
partnership effort by the City of Atlanta, Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, then
the Atlanta business community and the continue westbound via Auburn Avenue,
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Peachtree Street, Ellis Street, Carnegie Way
(MARTA) to bring to fruition a critical transit and Andrew Young International Boulevard to
project that will connect the metro area and the Centennial Olympic Park Drive, then continue
greater region: the Atlanta Streetcar. eastbound via Luckie Street to Woodruff Park.
The Atlanta Streetcar project is not any Table 1 identifies key locations served by the
streetcar project. It is both regionally and Atlanta Streetcar. Many are shown in Figure 1.
nationally significant. On a regional level, it Table 2 identifies important streetcar
will provide connectivity and circulation for connections with existing transportation modes
the core of the Downtown area of Atlanta, and recreational facilities.
improving accessibility and making it possible
Historic Atlanta Streetcar
to conveniently travel from key destinations
and event venues without a car and connecting
tourists, residents, students and workers to
attractions, jobs and public amenities. From
a national perspective, the streetcar links
the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic
Site on the east side of Downtown Atlanta
to Centennial Olympic Park on the west, via
historic Auburn Avenue, the birthplace of Project Description
our nation’s civil rights movement. Located
The Atlanta Streetcar route proposed for
within an Economically Distressed Area,
TIGER II funding is the first phase of a
the project will serve as a catalyst for new
comprehensive, regional streetcar and light rail
pedestrian-oriented development, support
transit system. The following characteristics
mixed-use projects, and reinforce existing land
define the project:
use and zoning plans. It will also reconnect
the eastern and western sections of Downtown 2.7 track miles
Atlanta, which were effectively separated by Modern streetcar operating with
the construction of Interstate 75/85 in the mid vehicular traffic
1950s. The barrier of the I-75/85 overpass 12 stations
has left a negative, lasting adverse impact that
destroyed the vibrant local economy previously 4 vehicles
existing in the Auburn Avenue corridor. The 2 vehicles required for regular service
Atlanta Streetcar will restore this historic Direct transfer to MARTA rail service at
community and foster overall greater livability, Peachtree Center rail station
social cohesion, and economic development in 9.9-minute one-way running time
the Atlanta area. The overall benefits of this
project exceed the costs by a factor of 2.56. 1.31 miles one-way
Streetcars will travel counter clockwise along 15-minute frequency
a pinched loop alignment that converges at Proposed Schedule
Woodruff Park, as shown in Figure 1. From Weekday: 5 am - 11 pm (18 hrs.)
Woodruff Park at the center of the loop,
Saturday: 8:30 am - 11 pm (14.5 hrs.)
streetcars operate eastbound via Park Place,
Sunday: 9 am – 10:30 pm (13.5 hrs.)
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 4 Figure 1: Atlanta Streetcar Route
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 5
Table 1. Key Destinations and Attractions Served by the Streetcar
Western Loop Eastern Loop
Key Atlanta attractions venues including Philips Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and
Arena, the Georgia Dome, the Georgia World Visitors Center
Congress Center, CNN Center, the Georgia
Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola Museum, and future The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent
National Center for Civil and Human Rights (under Social Change (“The King Center”)
development) 6 parks and public spaces
4 parks and public spaces Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
The Historic Sweet Auburn Preservation District
AmericasMart (containing 850,000 SF of exhibit
space for market shows containing more than Georgia State University main campus, including
4,000 showrooms and space for wholesale four student housing facilities
merchandise)
Grady Memorial Hospital
The western campus of Georgia State University Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding
High-rise and mid-rise office buildings, including the Loudermilk Center for Regional Community
Georgia-Pacific Center, five hotels, and residential, The United Way building
cultural, and institutional establishments, Rialto
Center for the Arts, Balzer Theatre at Herron’s, and Butler Street YMCA
The Tabernacle Sweet Auburn Curb Market
11th District Court of Appeals Fulton County Senior Center
Atlanta Fulton County Central Library The Auburn Avenue Research Library
Atlant Fulton County Library – MLK Jr. Branch
The APEX Museum
Table 2. Connections to Existing Transportation Modes and Infrastructure
Existing Transportation Modes
Atlanta Streetcar Connectivity
and Infrastructure
Peachtree Center Station: Direct connection
MARTA Heavy Rail Stations
Five Points Station and Georgia State Station: Within ¼ mile
Daily, 331 weekday express bus trips are made to Downtown.
17 Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Xpress routes
Express Bus Service
2 Cobb Community Transit routes
3 Gwinnett County Transit routes
10 Local MARTA fixed bus routes serve the Downtown area
Local Bus Service MARTA Mobility: 175 vans provide ADA paratransit serve to
disabled and senior customers who cannot use fixed route
bus and rail services
The Emory University ‘Cliff’ shuttle, Georgia State University
Shuttles Panther Express’ shuttles, and Grady Memorial Hospital
shuttles
Directly interfaces with 7 core and secondary City Bicycle
routes
Bicycle Facilities
Connection to PATH Foundation’s Multi-use Trail Network via
Jackson Street and Edgewood Avenue
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 6
Table 2. Continued
Existing Transportation Modes
Atlanta Streetcar Connectivity
and Infrastructure
Downtown wide, greater access will be provided to more
than 65,000 off-street public parking spaces which have an
Parking Facilities average daily occupancy rate of 66%.
In 2009 there were 15,955 parking spaces for transit, carpool
and vanpool use in Park & Ride lots within the Atlanta region.
Future planned connection to the BeltLine Transit and Trails
Network
Direct connection with 8 parks and squares, including Martin
Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Dobbs Plaza, Calhoun
Park, Hurt Park, Woodruff Park, Margaret Mitchell Square,
Parks and Trails Walton Spring Park (containing the Andrew Young Tribute),
and Centennial Olympic Park
1 block connection to Selina S. Butler Park and within close
proximity to Freedom Park Trail and Oakland Cemetery
Connection to PATH Foundation’s Multi-use Trail Network
2 blocks connection from the Atlanta Streetcar route to the
future, planned Downtown Multimodal Passenger Terminal
Intercity Passenger Rail
(MMPT); a direct streetcar connection to the MMPT is
planned.
Urban Area Needs and Transportation Challenges Addressed
Atlanta’s original streetcar system was greater use of transit by automobile users.
converted to bus in 1949. Now, 60 years later, Each year 4.7 million tourists and 1.38
the City of Atlanta, in partnership with the million conventioneers visit Downtown
business community and MARTA, support Atlanta.
the reintroduction of streetcar service within
the densest commercial activity center in the Total annual attendance at attractions,
Atlanta region. The City seeks to provide sporting events and concerts is estimated
its residents, businesses, and visitors with an at 12 million.
attractive, convenient, and comfortable urban Georgia State University, one of
mode of transit that will address mobility needs the nation’s leading urban research
for transit-dependent populations through universities, has an enrollment of 31,160
improved connectivity and circulation and students and a stated goal of housing 10
promote economic growth in an Economically percent of its student body on campus
Distressed Area. within the next 10 years.
The Downtown street network is fixed in Combined Grady Memorial Hospital and
the number of lanes available for carrying Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at its
automobiles. Streetcars will improve Downtown Hughes Spalding location see
circulation for short trips within the area; they 688,000 patient visits a year.
will also provide better connections to major Other significant transit-dependent
activity centers and transportation services populations live within ¼ mile of
within the study area, including universities the streetcar route, including (2010
and hospitals, as listed in Tables 1 and 2 above. estimates):
It will also improve mobility for a number of
transit-dependent populations and encourage
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 7
7,040 residents – 12.5% of which are is also clear about its need to focus on areas
65 Years Old or Older where less development activity has occurred,
3,350 households, 57% of which do rethink the connectivity challenges among
not own an automobile adjacent neighborhoods and address mobility
deficiencies of key residents. The Atlanta
1,490 low-income households Streetcar project is designed to address these
(earning less than $15,000 per year) needs.
Economically, the Atlanta Streetcar project Sweet Auburn Curb Market
will increase property values and create and
sustain jobs resulting from the ignition of new
development. Unoccupied, under-occupied
and physically neglected structures are present
today along Edgewood and Auburn avenues
with vacant storefronts common. The streetcar
project will attract and re-energize transit
oriented and mixed-use development and
emphasize sustainable growth. It will mitigate
the long-standing, negative economic impacts
present in the Auburn Avenue and Edgewood
Avenue corridors as a result of the construction
of Interstate 75/85 with improved access and
Proposed Wheat Street Gardens Residental Site
connectivity.
The City of Atlanta recently adopted an Urban
Redevelopment Plan that encompasses the
streetcar route and a broader area referred to as
the Atlanta Urban Redevelopment Area. The
area is federally designated under the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as a
Recovery Zone and as an Empowerment Zone
or Renewal Community. The Redevelopment
Plan proposes over $5 million in infrastructure
investments that will support the stabilization
of this area and includes transportation and
pedestrian infrastructure improvements to
support implementation of City priority
projects that will contribute to a more vibrant,
livable City. Within ¼ mile of the streetcar
route 312 underutilized parcels have been
identified, valued at more than $684 million
(2008). Within the same area 19 development
projects are either proposed, planned or under
construction.
The partners of the Georgia Transit Connector,
in advancing the Atlanta Streetcar project,
recognize the changing mobility landscape in
the nation, state and region, and the need to
take action for an integrated and sustainable
transportation strategy. The City of Atlanta
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 8
II. Project Parties
The following entities play major roles in the Atlanta Streetcar Project:
Table 3 Partnership Entities and Their Roles
Entities and Roles
City of Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the largest city and the capital of the State of Georgia with a population of 538,000 people and
a $559 million annual budget. The Atlanta City government is responsible for day to day operations of the
economic driver for the Atlanta Metro region. The City of Atlanta’s role for the project includes:
Tiger II Discretionary Grant Applicant (MARTA will administer the grant on the City’s behalf)
Owner of Assets and Funding Commitment Partner
Signatory to Intergovernmental Agreement
Land use planning and regulation responsibilities via the Comprehensive Development Plan, Connect
Atlanta Transportation Plan and zoning ordinances
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) was formed by an act of the Georgia General
Assembly in 1965. MARTA is the 9th largest transit system in the United States and has provided combined
bus, rail and paratransit service to the City of Atlanta, Fulton County and DeKalb County for 30 years. MARTA
carries over 500,000 passenger boardings each weekday and is the only multi-modal transit system in the state
of Georgia. MARTA is an over $6 billion public asset. MARTA’s role for the project includes:
Grant Recipient: serves as the Grantee for any FTA funds awarded to the Project through the Federal Transit
Administration
Operator
Conduct and manage procurement
Provides technical expertise and logistical assistance
Aids in optimizing the current federal and local transit investment (i.e., leverage existing assets) and
ensuring efficient integration of the City’s streetcar assets into the existing network of buses and rail, as
well as planned heavy and light rail
Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, Inc.
The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), founded in 1995 by the business organization Central
Atlanta Progress, is a public-private partnership that strives to create a livable environment for Downtown
Atlanta. With a board of directors of nine private- and public-sector leaders, ADID is funded through a self-
taxing mechanism called a community improvement district, created under Article IX, Section VII of the
Georgia Constitution. The District currently contains 220 blocks; the majority of the proposed streetcar route
lies within its boundary. ADID’s role for the project includes:
Funding Commitment Partner
Signatory to Intergovernmental Agreement
Land use planning and zoning responsibilities via Imagine Downtown Plan
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 9
III. Grant Funds & Sources/Uses of Project Funds
Amount of Grant Funding Requested streetcar operations and maintenance costs
The City of Atlanta is requesting $56,158,000 for 20 years. First year (estimated in 2013)
of TIGER II Discretionary Grant funds to operation and maintenance costs are estimated
implement the Atlanta Streetcar project. at $1.714 million.
Availability/commitment of funds sources Table 4. Operations and Maintenance
and uses of all project funds Funding Commitments
Source Description
Capital Car Rental & Hotel Motel
City of Atlanta Tax: $1 million / year for
A local match of $16 million towards streetcar 20 years
capital expenses is committed to the project: Atlanta Downtown $250,000 /year for Years
The City of Atlanta has obligated Improvement District 1-9, and $1.0 million /
$10 million in local capital funds to (ADID) year for Years 10-19
support the project through legislation The project assumes
that authorizes issuance of Recovery Fare Revenue a minimum 20% fare
recovery policy.
Zone Economic Development Bonds
to provide the required local match. The project assumes
Issuance of bonds has been approved as 4% of its expenses to be
Advertising and
covered by various forms
well. (Please refer to Appendix B for all Concessions
of advertising, including
referenced resolutions and ordinances.) sponsorships.
The ADID has committed $1 million $1.89 million (staggered
per year to support the project through Federal Congestion 50%, 33%, 25% total over
Board approval at the July 2010 Board Mitigation and Air three years respectively)
of Directors meeting. ADID has also Quality (CMAQ) Funds to establish an operating
reserve
committed to the issuance of $6 million in
capital bonds to provide local match for
the streetcar. Appendix C includes the 20-year Operations
and Maintenance Cash-Flow table. The
Operations and Maintenance operations and maintenance budget was
developed using a cash-flow model that
The City of Atlanta and ADID have also includes all standard transit risk factor
committed funding to support streetcar assumptions, such as a minimum two month
operations and maintenance costs (See annual carryover operating reserve, 3% annual
Table 4). The City of Atlanta has dedicated cost escalation, and conservative estimates
up to $1 million from the Car Rental and of interest, fare and advertising revenues.
Hotel Motel tax annually for twenty years Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
(Atlanta Ordinance 10-O-1171, see Appendix (CMAQ) funds are used for operation and
B). The ADID has obligated the balance maintenance in the initial years and to establish
of their annual $1 million commitment not an operating reserve. As an additional
used for capital debt service to streetcar conservative and fiscally responsible measure,
operations. These dedicated, obligated local this model does not include use of FTA Section
funding commitments, in addition to fare 5307 funding for preventative maintenance;
and advertising revenues, will cover annual
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 10
it is anticipated that these funds, along with Total Project Costs
any future FTA Section 5309 fixed-guideway Project capital cost is $72.158 million (Table
modernization funds would be dedicated to 5); annual operation and maintenance cost
capitalized maintenance and “state of good (starting in 2013) is $1.714 million.
repair” needs as described in Section IV(a.)(i.).
Table 5. Capital Costs
FTA Cost
Element Estimated Costs
Category
10 Guideway and Track Elements $9,841,162
20 Stations, Stops $360,000
30 Support Facilities $6,562,500
40 Sitework and Special Conditions $5,720,302
50 Systems $11,374,383
60 ROW, Land, Existing Improvements $600,000
70 Vehicles $6,500,400
80 Professional Services $18,093,050
90 Unallocated Contingency $9,350,600
es Escalation $3,755,500
TOTAL $72,157,897
(Refer to Appendix D for detailed Capital Costs)
Percentage of Project Costs Paid for by TIGER II Discretionary Grant Funds and Others
The $56,158,000 funding request represents 78% of the capital costs. The balance of
$16,000,000, or 22%, is the contribution from local sources (Table 6).
Capital Funding Breakdown
Table 6. Capital Funding Sources
Sources of Capital Amount Percentage
TIGER II Federal Share $56,158,000 78%
City of Atlanta $10,000,000 14%
Atlanta Downtown
$ 6,000,000 8%
Improvement District
Total $72,158,000 100%
Total Federal $56,158,000 78%
Total Non-Federal (Local) $16,000,000 22%
Total $72,158,000 100%Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 11
Operations and Maintenance Funding Breakdown
Other federal funds used for the project are CMAQ funds for the first three years of operations.
The cash flow model developed for the Atlanta Streetcar Project reflects $41,870,000 in
revenues, a 95% local share, to cover operations and maintenance for a 20-year period (Table 7).
Table 7. Revenue for Annual Operations and Maintenance Costs
Annual
Operations and Maintenance Revenue 20-Year
(2013 Percentage
Sources Cashflow
Operations)
City of Atlanta
(Car Rental & Hotel/Motel tax dedicated $1,000,000 $20,000,000 48%
through ordinance over 20 years)
Atlanta Downtown Improvement District $750,000** $12,250,000 29%
Fares $420,000* $4,530,000 11%
Advertising (Including naming rights) $70,000* $1,840,000 4%
CMAQ
(Total over 3 years; first 3 years staggered $1,890,000 5%
50%-33%-25% of total O&M cost)
Interest Income $1,360,000 3%
Total $41,870,000 100%
Total Federal $1,890,000 5%
Total Non-Federal (Local) $39,980,000 95%
Total $41,870,000 100%
* Estimate of 2013 revenue only
**Annual contribution over 20 yearsGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 12
IV. Selection Criteria
a. Long-Term Outcomes improvement in our transportation system.
Over 20 years the benefits of the Atlanta Within the past six months the State of Georgia
Streetcar project exceed the costs by a factor has achieved a milestone in helping itself to
of 2.56. As Table 8 summarizes, the sum of realize its transportation goals. In June 2010
all quantifiable benefits over this period of the State approved a Statewide Strategic
operations has a discounted value of $167.75 Transportation Plan (SSTP) which was
million. See Appendix A for additional details. critical to the adoption of the Transportation
Investment Act of 2010 by the Georgia
Legislature and the Governor (House Bill 277).
Table 8. Summary of Quantifiable Long-Term A key element in the SSTP is the inclusion of
Benefits and Project Costs* activity center area circulators. The Atlanta
Streetcar Project will provide circulation
Long-Term Benefits(s)/ 20-Year
Criteria Cost(s) Sum
throughout the Atlanta central business
district for users of the state’s transportation
State of Good
Residual Value system while at the same time generating
of Streetcar $1.36 economic growth. As documented in the
Repair
Investment
State Transportation Board’s study “Investing
Economic Land Market in Tomorrow’s Transportation Today,” or
$159.33 IT3, Georgia will benefit economically from
Competitiveness Benefits
investment in the streetcar project at a time
Labor Market
$2.65 when the state needs increased employment
Productivity and private sector investment.
Safety Crash Reduction $0.34 Passage of the Transportation Investment Act
Sustainability
Emissions
$0.10 of 2010, which has been encouraged by the
Reductions Atlanta region for several years, provides for
Livability
Travel Time
$2.60
referenda on new local funding sources for
Savings transportation statewide to address the state’s
Vehicle growing transportation investment needs. The
Operating Cost $1.36 enabling legislation authorizes the 10-county
Savings Atlanta Region to approve a ten-year one
Total Benefits $167.75 percent transportation sales tax levy to be
Capital Costs $53.64 placed on the ballot in the Atlanta Region
in 2012. It is anticipated that subsequent
Operating Costs $11.85
extensions of the Atlanta Streetcar system
Total Costs $65.49 will be funded through the regional sales tax.
Benefit/Cost
2.56
The partnership required for the passage of
Ratio the Transportation Investment Act of 2010
* Millions of Dollars, discounted at 7% indicates commitment by Georgia toward
transportation investment, and recognition
of how local funding influences long-term
It is important to keep in mind that the long- outcomes related to quality of life and
term outcomes and objectives that will be economic growth. The Georgia Department
achieved through the Atlanta Streetcar project of Transportation is a supporter of the Atlanta
will occur within the context of regional, state Streetcar project (Appendix E).
and national progress towards investment andGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 13
i. State of Good Repair Envision 6 – 2030 Regional Transportation Plan
(Long-Term Outcome) (RTP) (2007): The Atlanta Streetcar is included in the
Atlanta Regional Commission’s RTP, referred to as
The Atlanta Streetcar will enhance Envision 6.
the performance of Atlanta’s existing Georgia Statewide Transportation Improvement
transportation system. State of Good Repair Program (STIP) and 2008 – 2013 Transportation
benefits accrued by the streetcar over 20 years Improvement Program (TIP): The Atlanta Streetcar
are estimated at $1.36 million. Project is included in the STIP through it inclusion in
the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2008-2013 TIP.
Consistency with Local
Transportation and Land Use Plans State of Georgia: Statewide Strategic Transportation
Plan 2010-2030 (2010): Approved by the Governor
The Atlanta Streetcar is part of and consistent and State Transportation Board in 2010, the
with local, regional and state transportation Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan recommends
and land use plans (Table 9). targeted transportation investments based upon the
2008 “Investing in Tomorrow’s Transportation Today”
analysis. The Strategic Plan recommends streetcar
service for improved mobility in metro Atlanta activity
Table 9 Consistency with Plans and Intiatives centers.
Plans and Initiatives City of Atlanta Urban Redevelopment Plan
(2010): The Plan cites development opportunities
Atlanta Streetcar Inc. (2003): Atlanta Streetcar, Inc. and recommends transportation and pedestrian
was the first broad-based effort to unite the city’s top infrastructure improvements to support
business, government and community leaders in an implementation of key City projects, including the
effort devoted to reintroducing the modern streetcar streetcar route and maintenance facility, which
to Atlanta. are identified for funding through Recovery Zone
Economic Development Bonds.
Peachtree Corridor Taskforce (2005): The Taskforce
was a collaboration of the Atlanta Development
Authority, Atlanta business leaders, and in-town
community improvement districts, including ADID. Use of rehabilitated streetcar vehicles will
The Taskforce’s work evaluated the feasibility of a extend the life of previously-funded FTA
streetcar, and facilitated advocacy and outreach
activities. assets.
Peachtree Corridor Partnership (2007): The The procurement of the vehicles for the
Partnership was an extension of the Taskforce, streetcar also includes a state of good
formed to develop an implementation and funding repair element. MARTA is working with
strategy for a first-phase streetcar project. Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) for
Connect Atlanta Plan (2008): The City of Atlanta’s the transfer of four UTDC light rail vehicles
first citywide transportation plan included a for use on the streetcar project. SacRT has
comprehensive streetcar network and was designed four previously federally-funded ex-San Jose
to guide transportation policy and investment to
advance the vision of creating a more modern, VTA light-rail vehicles available. MARTA
vibrant, and sustainable city. will acquire the vehicles at a greatly reduced
Downtown Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Plan
cost in comparison to the purchase of new
(2003, 2004 and 2009): Created in 1999 by the vehicles and will jointly participate in the
Atlanta Regional Commission, the LCI program major rebuilding contract that is being let
encourages local jurisdictions to plan and implement by SacRT in fall 2010. This has the state of
strategies to create sustainable, livable communities good repair benefit of lowering the unit cost to
consistent with regional development policies. The
Downtown area is covered by an adopted LCI plan:
rebuild the vehicles for all parties, expediting
the 2009 updated Imagine Downtown plan. a long lead item, and providing virtually new
LRT-compatible equipment for the startup
Concept 3 (2008): Concept 3, adopted in 2008, is the
conceptual metro Atlanta regional transit plan. of the streetcar operations at a quarter of
the capital cost of new equipment. The use
of rehabilitated vehicles further leverages
previous FTA investment, will save the projectGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 14
approximately $5 million dollars, and creates the existing MARTA capital assets that
American jobs to perform the rebuilding. will also be used for the streetcar.
While two vehicles are needed to meet daily The project will benefit from MARTA’s
schedule requirements, the streetcar project rail maintenance facilities, tools and
includes four vehicles in the capital budget equipment for all vehicle maintenance,
to meet anticipated special events and other facilities maintenance and maintenance
special service needs. Since the alignment of of way to ensure State of Good Repair
the streetcar includes many of the country’s asset management.
largest sporting events and convention The existing MARTA Breeze smart card
facilities, it is anticipated that there will be fare collection system will be used for the
periodic demand for additional service in the streetcar. Fare revenue will be allocated
future. to the project through the existing
MARTA regional Breeze clearinghouse
already in use by MARTA and the
The project is adequately capitalized
suburban express bus services. The
upfront and utilizes creative partnerships
streetcar will also use MARTA’s GPS-
to address its long-term needs for both,
based communications and passenger
maintenance of capital and ongoing
information system, leveraging the
operations.
existing dispatch center and radio
The capital construction budget is based on communication system.
thorough engineering cost estimates prepared
Given that all operating funding needed
by the substantially experienced members
is budgeted through local sources and
of the MARTA team. Context-specific
a modest CMAQ contribution, it is
preliminary engineering and FTA standard cost
anticipated that all formula funding (FTA
categories were used to develop the capital cost
Section 5307 and Section 5309 Fixed
estimates to ensure the project is adequately
Guideway Modernization after 7 years)
capitalized up front including actual year of
will be used to support reinvestment
expenditure escalation. The project has a
in the system through capitalized
contingency budget that is consistent with
maintenance.
industry standards and appropriate to the level
of design. To ensure a long lifespan for the
asset and to accommodate future connections The project has sustainable revenue for
to and compatibility with other streetcar and long-term operations and maintenance.
light-rail projects planned for the region, the The streetcar project has dedicated operating
streetcar includes capital budget for a more and maintenance (O&M) funding budgeted
substantial 16-inch slab track system and a through a positive 20-year cash flow O&M
generous 82-foot minimum curve radius. cost model (See Appendix C). This model uses
conservative revenue assumptions as described
The project leverages the investment of previously in Section III. The project’s net
existing transportation resources, including positive cash flow is primarily attributable to
MARTA heavy rail facilities. the dedication of local funding by the City of
Atlanta and ADID.
The project is leveraging regional resources
and previous investment in the MARTA
system.
The streetcar will use MARTA as the
procurement and operations management
agency. MARTA is developing a “Transit
Asset Management System” (TAMS) forGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 15
ii.Economic Competitiveness -- ranks among the top five largest
(Long-Term Outcome) convention destinations in the country
as well as one of the best sports and
The business environment and quality of life entertainment campuses in the world.
of Atlanta consistently rank it at the top of Including Philips Arena located next
major U.S. metropolitan areas for working, door, these venues had a combined
living and playing. On the global front, the annual attendance of 8.3 million in
Atlanta Streetcar will better ensure that the 2009. In total, the Downtown Atlanta
Atlanta region remains competitive with other hospitality industry employs more
world-class locations by providing convenient than 21,880 workers.
connectivity to many of the region’s
destinations.
As Georgia moves towards
implementation of passenger rail through
Improve Long-term Efficiency, Reliability the planned Multimodal Passenger
or Cost-Competitiveness in the Movement Terminal (MMPT), the presence of an
of Workers or Goods improved transit circulator system, such
Transit-oriented cities that are designed as the Streetcar, will also reinforce the
to support pedestrian movement long-term economic benefits anticipated
and activity are economically more from MMPT and passenger rail services.
competitive and attract the best talent The streetcar will also serve as the “last
and resources. The Atlanta Streetcar or first mile” to connect Downtown to
will contribute over time to growth in Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International
productivity of the U.S. economy by Airport, the world’s busiest.
enhancing Atlanta’s competitiveness for Discounted labor market productivity
international corporate relocation in gains resulting from the streetcar equate
comparison to other cities. According to $2.65 million.
to the Georgia Department of Economic
Development more than 760 foreign-
owned business facilities are located in Increase the Economic Productivity
Fulton County and these firms employ of Land, Capital, or Labor at Specific
more than 45,000 people. Locations, particularly in Economically
Distressed Areas
The Atlanta Streetcar will support
long-term efficiency in the movement Properties located near the streetcar will
of Downtown workers, students and experience greater access to the broader
visitors: metropolitan economy, and in turn
•. Downtown Atlanta is home to nearly residents and commercial enterprises will
140,000 office workers of 5,000 be willing to pay a premium for streetcar
businesses – the highest concentration access. Accordingly, the Atlanta
of businesses in the metro Atlanta Streetcar will produce an estimated land
region. value premium created by better access
estimated at $159.3 million, discounted
•. Georgia State University enrolls over 20 years.
approximately 31,160 undergraduate
and graduate students.GSU also The Streetcar project will support
employs 4,500 faculty and staff. redevelopment and reuse of underutilized
property within the streetcar corridors
•. The Georgia World Congress Center - thereby potentially improving
Authority -- which includes the 3.9 the economic productivity of 312
million square foot convention center, underutilized properties located within
the 71,250-seat Georgia Dome and one-quarter mile of the streetcar route.
21-acre Centennial Olympic ParkGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 16
These properties equate to 20 percent of Rights movement. Community plans focus
the total land area within one-quarter on expanding cultural offerings, retaining
mile of the streetcar route, yet they destinations for visitors, and encouraging new
account for just 11.4 percent of the total residents to move into the neighborhood to
appraised value of properties in the area ensure that this eastern Downtown community
– indicating substantial upside potential again enjoys the vibrancy that it historically
for revitalization in the Economically did before the construction of Interstate 75/85,
Disadvantaged Area. which bisected this district from the rest of
Downtown. On-going transformation of one
of the City’s oldest public housing projects
iii. Livability (Long-Term Outcome) into Auburn Pointe (a mixed-use and mixed-
The Atlanta Streetcar is a transportation income community) and the much anticipated
investment that will foster a more livable core Centennial Olympic Park
Downtown community by building upon sound
land use policies and community-building
initiatives. Discussed previously, the route
connects two areas of Downtown significant
to Atlanta’s history and of importance to
the City’s overall livability: Centennial
Olympic Park on the west and the Sweet
Auburn neighborhood on the east, containing
the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District.
Additionally, the route spans the Fairlie Poplar
Historic District, Woodruff Park, Georgia
State University, and Atlanta’s “main street:”
Peachtree Street (See Figure 2). Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church on Auburn Avenue
True to the strategies outlined by the post-1996
Centennial Olympic Games renewal plan, the
area surrounding Centennial Olympic Park
has seen a surge of diverse development since
the Olympic Games, culminating most recently
with the Georgia Aquarium, the World of
Coca-Cola museum and the Hilton Garden Inn.
The district exhibits great diversity of land
uses and City plans anticipate a continuation of
this diversity. A site is secured for the planned
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
and additional site selections are pending for
other proposed visitor attractions, securing
this area as Downtown Atlanta’s most family-
friendly visitor destination.
Located on the east end of the streetcar
route and home to the Martin Luther King
Jr. National Historic Site, the vision for the
Sweet Auburn neighborhood emphasizes
cultural tourism, historic preservation,
entertainment and entrepreneurship. This
neighborhood represents Atlanta’s heartbeat
of African-American culture and the CivilGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 17 Figure 2: Atlanta Streetcar Neighborhood and Livability Attributes
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 18
redevelopment of the Wheat Street Gardens benefits and further enhance Downtown’s
residential development will provide a solid livability.
base of community residents to support Within this context, and with an estimated
commercial revitalization. weekday ridership of 2,600, the Atlanta
Downtown’s most notable historic district – Streetcar will play a role in the reduction of
Fairlie-Poplar - is located between Centennial transportation costs in the Atlanta region over
Olympic Park and Woodruff Park. Atlanta’s the next 20 years. The discounted 20-year
oldest high rises are concentrated in the area stream of benefits resulting from vehicle
and contribute to the district’s pedestrian scale, operating cost savings is $1.36 million.
unique architecture, tree-lined streets and Discounted benefits resulting from travel time
historic atmosphere. Continued revitalization savings equate to $2.6 million.
efforts focus on attracting new development to
replace surface parking lots along the western
edge of the district. Enhancement of Mobility through Creation
of More Convenient Transportation Options
Georgia State University has firmly
established itself as an important stakeholder The Atlanta Streetcar project will introduce
in Downtown’s growth with its continued reliable, convenient rail transit across
expansion, transformation and national Downtown Atlanta, connecting key
recognition. The GSU main campus centers destinations and activity centers for tourists,
upon Hurt Park, with a west campus in the residents and workers. In turn, the streetcar
Fairlie-Poplar district. Guided by its “Main will encourage greater walkability within the
Street” master plan, GSU has a stated goal corridor, as well as bicycling, and pedestrian-
of housing 10 percent of its 31,160 students scale development.
on campus within the next ten years. When
realized, this goal will have a profound impact Enhancement of Modal Connectivity
on the Downtown residential environment.
Today, GSU student housing consists of four As defined in Table 2 in Section I, the Atlanta
facilities - all located on or within one block of Streetcar will interface directly with the
the streetcar route - with 2,700 student beds. MARTA Peachtree Center rail station and will
connect with a sizable number of Downtown
The streetcar will provide key connectivity transportation facilities and services. Through
for two of Atlanta’s most prominent medical this coordination, the streetcar will enhance
facilities: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta “last-mile” connectivity and improve local
at Hughes Spalding and Grady Memorial circulation for the Downtown core and the
Hospital, which operates the only Level 1 region. In addition the streetcar connects to
Trauma Center within 100 miles of metro several shuttle services including Georgia State
Atlanta and houses one of only two burn University’s shuttle.
centers in the State of Georgia. Combined,
these two medical facilities contain 970
hospital beds and in 2009 alone served more Improved Accessibility for Critical
than 688,000 patient visits. Populations
One of nine parks and public spaces along The streetcar route, which is contained within
the streetcar route, Woodruff Park is one of an Economically Distressed Area, is in close
Downtown Atlanta’s most significant green proximity of a number of target populations
spaces, located at the heart of the City’s (Table 10).
financial, entertainment and academic districts.
Adopted by the City of Atlanta in 2008,
the Woodruff Park Master Plan reflects an
exciting vision for physical improvements and
programming objectives to enhance the park’sGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 19
Table 10. Critical Populations within ¼ mile of the Streetcar Route
Critical Populations within ¼ mile of the Streetcar Route
Total Population (2010 estimate) 7,040
2010 Households 3,350
Households with Persons 65 Years Old or Older (2000) 22.2%
2010 Housing Units 4,055
Owner Occupied Housing Units 6.8%
Renter-Occupied Housing Units 75.8%
Vacant Housing Units 17.3%
Median Household Income (2010) $19,067
Median Age (2010) 33.9
Percentage of Population 65 Years Old or Older (2010) 12.8%
Means of Transportation to Work (Workers 16+, 2000)
Drove Alone 41.1%
Carpooled 13.7%
Public Transit 28.3%
Walk 12.6%
Other Means 1.1%
Work at Home 2.8%
Households with No Vehicle Available (2000) 57.1%
Low-Income Households (Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 20
Table 11. Six (6) DOT / HUD / EPA Livability Principles:
Principle Atlanta Streetcar Applicability
ü rovide more
P
transportation choices
Connections with the MARTA rail line at the Peachtree Center and other
transportation services will improve traveler options.
ü romote equitable,
P
affordable housing
4,055 housing units exist and 1,998 housing units are proposed, planned, or
under construction within 2 blocks of the streetcar route.
Greater mobility freedom by conventioneers and tourists will aid in
ü E nhance economic
competitiveness
maintaining Atlanta’s consistent rank as a top 5 convention city in the United
States.
The streetcar will provide an amenity for residents, commuters and visitors
ü S upport existing
communities
to use for both work and play. It will bridge a disconnect of neighborhoods
created by the construction of Interstate 75/85.
ü oordinate policies and
C
leverage investment
The streetcar has been included in a number of plans and initiatives that
coordinate transportation and land use.
ü alue communities and
V
neighborhoods
As a context-sensitive mobility and economic development project, the
streetcar will strengthen the Sweet Auburn and Fairlie-Poplar neighborhoods.
iv. Sustainability improved air quality associated with the
(Long-Term Outcome) streetcar is $0.10 million over 20 years. Air
quality benefits will also be achieved because
The Atlanta Streetcar project makes both good the streetcar is powered by electricity, and
business sense and good environmental sense. therefore produces no point-source emissions.
The project aims to balance the economic,
social and environmental objectives of the Maintain, Protect or Enhance
Downtown community. the Environment
Improve Energy Efficiency, Reduce Oil As Georgia remains one of the fastest-
Dependence, and/or Reduce Emissions growing states in the nation, the streetcar
will support future population growth
Streetcar service will promote and support needs by promoting compact, sustainable
a change of travel patterns that will in turn development and transit-oriented design.
reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) because The City’s Connect Atlanta Plan was a
trips can be completed by public transit, major sustainability initiative for the
biking or walking. The improved connections City; its recommendations, including
between Downtown attractions and the hotel the Atlanta Streetcar, emphasize
district as well as MARTA rail at its Peachtree transportation solutions coordinated
Center station will reduce the need for auto with land use and transit oriented
trips. Likewise, direct connections with express development.
bus services will foster additional transit
ridership. Commuters and visitors who drive Environmental sustainability benefits also
will now be able to park once when coming to result due to the project’s implementation
Downtown, and then ride the streetcar between attributes:
destinations. With the introduction of the •. The project itself requires negligible
streetcar, existing shuttle services can also be right-of-way acquisition because
minimized. These changes in overall travel the streetcar will operate within the
behaviors result in less overall oil dependence existing City streets.
and reduced emissions. The diversion of •. The streetcar project will also utilize
travelers from autos to transit, reducing VMT, practices in design and capital
will accordingly reduce emissions. Applying construction, such as giving emphasis
USDOT guidance, the discounted value of on the use of sustainable buildingGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 21
materials, recycled materials, and to document Economic Distress, as the City’s
renewable energy sources to make average unemployment rate for the most recent
the system as “green” as possible. 24 months (9.8%) is 1.3 percentage points
MARTA has implemented a “Green above the comparable 24-month average for
Purchasing Program,” which factors the U.S. (8.5%). Because the unemployment
environmental, social and economic rate data at the City level lags the U.S. data by
attributes into procurement processes. one month, the 24-month span reported for this
application is July 2008 to June 2010. This is
the most recent data available (source: Bureau
v. Safety (Long-Term Outcome) of Labor Statistics). As Table 12 indicates, the
Over time the Atlanta Streetcar will enhance incidence of joblessness varies significantly
safety among Downtown commuters, residents among population groups in the City.
and visitors.
Reduction in the Number, Rate and
Consequences of Crashes, Injuries and
Fatalities Among Drivers and/or Non-Drivers
With the introduction of the Atlanta
Streetcar, automobile trips will be
diverted to the safer streetcar mode,
which will thereby reduce accidents
and increase pedestrian safety because
more travelers will be using the streetcar
instead of traveling by automobile. The
value of discounted safety benefits
achieved through avoided accidents is
estimated at $0.34 million over 20 years. Renaissance Walk Mixed-Use
The introduction of streetcar service Development on Auburn Avenue
and emphasis on increased pedestrian
activity – coupled with City initiatives
to improve sidewalk conditions and Table 12. Atlanta Unemployment Rates
upgrade intersections - will also foster by Population Group
a more “complete street” along the Population Unemployment
route. Placing greater emphasis on non- Group Rate
vehicular modes and pedestrian needs Black or
will further encourage walking and African White TOTAL
cycling, and will prioritize the corridor’s American
use away from automobile traffic. Such Men 19.0 3.5 8.8
priority will foster traffic calming and
promote a more balanced, safer travel Women 12.9 7.3 9.7
environment for all users. Total 15.7 5.1 9.2
Source: Geographic Profile of Employment and
Unemployment, 2009 annual averages; Data represents
b. Job Creation the most recent available at the time of the application’s
and Economic Stimulus submittal.
Job creation and economic stimulus are key
priorities of the Atlanta Streetcar due to the Job Preservation and Creation
project’s location within an Economically In addition to construction and operations
Distressed Area. The City of Atlanta meets the directly attributed to the project, new transit-
unemployment rate threshold criteria required oriented development will foster longer-termGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 22
job creation through economic development. more vibrant and sustainable City. The east-
Job creation over 20 years attributable to the west streetcar route and streetcar maintenance
Atlanta Streetcar project includes (1-year facility are redevelopment projects included in
duration, Full Time Equivalents): the plan for funding through Recovery Zone
Approximately 939 new jobs created Economic Development Bonds.
during the streetcar’s construction Other positive economic stimulus effects
Approximately 460 new jobs for resulting from the Atlanta Streetcar include:
operation of the streetcar Increased retail and service jobs in the
Approximately 4,204 new jobs surrounding area
attributable to commercial corridor Improved access to destinations and
development businesses will lead to increased
economic activity through increased
sales, more paid admissions and more
Economic Activity Stimulator
investment in residences:
The Atlanta Streetcar project will have a Newly redeveloped Renaissance
significant influence on economic development Walk, a mixed-use development
within the corridor, as shown in Figure 3. in Sweet Auburn that is currently
Current estimates (2010) based upon available underutilized.
data indicate substantial potential for economic
stimulus catalyzed by Atlanta Streetcar: Fairlie-Poplar Historic District,
including the Rialto Theatre,
19 development projects are either under Theatrical Outfit and The
construction, planned, or proposed Tabernacle
within one quarter mile of the streetcar
route: Georgia State University academic
and residential facilities
$1.73 billion of investment already
planned/underway in 19 projects
1,998 housing units c. Innovation
360 student beds As the first modern streetcar project of the
1.41 million square feet of office Atlanta region that is ready for construction,
space the Atlanta Streetcar project encompasses
a variety of innovative planning tools,
247,514 square feet of retail space
technologies, and approaches.
1,501 hotel rooms
There are 312 underutilized parcels
within one quarter mile of the proposed Innovative Planning
streetcar route, equating to a total land The design standards of the project will ensure
area of 143 acres with a total appraised that this first streetcar route is interoperable
value of more than $684 million. with other extensions and rail projects
envisioned by the City of Atlanta and rail
projects included in “Concept 3,” the Atlanta
The City’s July 2010 Urban Redevelopment region’s approved transit plan. Additionally,
Plan identifies development opportunities in the streetcar will complement and benefit from
transit and infrastructure and suggests potential newly approved zoning for the Downtown
stabilization methods in neighborhoods. district, known as the “Downtown Livability
The plan also recommends transportation Code,” and adopted by the Atlanta City
and pedestrian infrastructure improvements Council in 2007. The updated zoning
(lighting, ADA curb ramps and intersection regulations now require active and productive
improvements) to support implementation of land uses, wider sidewalks, and buildings that
City priority projects that will contribute to aGeorgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 23 Figure 3. Economic Development Opportunities within 1/4 Mile of the Atlanta Streetcar
Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 24
are designed to engage with the surrounding Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology
environment. (Georgia Tech) and the State Transportation
History Museum will be engaged with the
facility. The museum will add a place-making
Creative Leverage of Resources component to the Auburn Avenue corridor
The project will leverage resources creatively: and will complement existing educational
The public-private partnership between attractions in the corridor including the APEX
the City, MARTA and ADID will advance Museum and the Auburn Avenue Research
the project more quickly than through any Library.
one organization’s means. Proposed Maintenance Facility Site Under I-75/85
Existing MARTA investments will be
utilized to operate and maintain the
streetcar, including use of MARTA’s
heavy maintenance facilities and its
Breeze smart card fare system. Likewise,
existing City of Atlanta investments
complementary to the streetcar will be
leveraged; city improvements include
intersection upgrades at 14 locations in
the streetcar study area and signalization
improvements along key segments of
the streetcar route. Note that these
investments by the City and MARTA are
committed yet are separate from the local
funding commitments documented in this
application as match for the TIGER II
grant.
d. Partnership
The project anticipates the future use of The Atlanta Streetcar project is the result of
FTA Section 5307 and 5309 funds for collaboration between the public and private
capital maintenance. These funds are sectors. In addition to financial partnerships,
not accounted for in the project’s annual the project has obtained significant voiced
O&M revenue needs. support from various, multi-disciplinary
organizations.
Use of refurbished streetcar vehicles will
quickly advance implementation of the
project. Jurisdictional & Stakeholder Collaboration
The City of Atlanta, ADID, and
Light Maintenance Facility MARTA have formed a public-private
The facility will be located on the historic partnership to implement the project.
Auburn/Edgewood corridor beneath the Demonstrated by significant financial
I-75/85 overpass and will include a transit and in-kind commitments, the partnership
museum open to the public. No funding from is dedicated to the project’s timely
the TIGER II Discretionary Grant Request implementation and operation. An
will be used for museum components, which Intergovernmental Agreement governs
will include MARTA’s historic collection of the relationship between with the City of
transit vehicles and interpretive exhibits about Atlanta, and ADID and includes MARTA
transit, land use and sustainability. Existing as the project operator and managing
relationships with the City’s Division of partner.
Cultural Affairs, the Georgia TransportationYou can also read
