Streetcar Statement from Mayoral Candidate Dan Barrett

The Modern Streetcar independent study committee recently received an offer to meet with mayoral candidate Dan Barrett, who wished to share his views on transportation and Fort Worth’s future.  He has also provided us with the following letter detailing his views on the Modern Streetcar project specifically, and how it relates to the growth and well-being of Fort Worth.

This is not an endorsement – the streetcar issue is but one of many facing Fort Worth, though we are of course inclined to believe it to be one of the most significant.  We do ask, as supporters of better transit for Fort Worth, that our fans and supporters consider the following statement when making an educated decision about casting a vote in the upcoming mayoral race.  And we welcome interactions with any of the other four candidates on the issues surrounding transit in general, and streetcars in particular.

“Dan Barrett for Mayor
207 E. Broadway, Suite 201
Fort Worth, TX  76104
817-877-5533
danbarrettformayor.com

The Fort Worth City Council recently turned its back on a $25 million grant it had been awarded for the development of a starter streetcar system.  The Federal Transportation Administration believed in the Fort Worth vision detailed in the city’s Comprehensive Plan and that Fort Worth had the basic elements already in place for a successful streetcar system.  Instead, we turned it down.  Worse, actually, than simply turning it down, it essentially opened the door to give the money to Dallas.  That’s right, Dallas.

Fort Worth asked for the money from the federal government, was granted it,  then spurned it, offering to send it east even before the feasibility study was completed (a study, by the way, that was primarily funded by the North Central Texas Council of Governments).  Had I been Mayor, I would not have voted to reject those funds.  I would have used all of the influence of my office to see the feasibility study completed, as all of the groups that studied streetcars agreed that the formal study should be completed.  If that study indicated that the starter system was viable in terms of economic development, operating costs, and availability of funds to finance the system – which I have very little doubt it would have – I would have again used all the influence of my office to bring the streetcar starter system to fruition.  Even if the study showed that a system wasn’t viable, the grant could have been refused at that time, not before we had all the needed information.

In fact, my understanding is that sufficient funds were available to finance the system through Tax Increment Finance Districts to be served by the system, the members of which were, and are, in favor of this project.  Further, the T had agreed to fund the first 3 to 5 years of operating costs, with the understanding that there would be continued support in some lesser fashion, since streetcars would relieve the T from operating some bus routes.  The remainder, according to the streetcar consultant, would be generated from businesses being served by and benefitting from the system via a Public Improvement District or similar financing device.  No general funds would be expended for either capital or operating costs.

Streetcars provide “last mile” transportation in a comprehensive rail transit system that is crucial to Fort Worth’s future.  Without it, “Generation Y” – that talented and energetic group in the 25-to-40 age range – will continue to be attracted to Dallas.  And Austin.  And even Charlotte, or Portland, or Seattle, or any of the other multiple cities developing their urban cores with streetcars.  As a forward-looking city, we cannot continue to rely on suburban development to enhance our tax base.  The numbers simply won’t work.

Fort Worth is justifiably proud of its downtown.  Everyone who has worked so hard to turn downtown into a vibrant urban center deserves our sincere appreciation, especially the Bass family without whom we would not have Sundance Square, Bass Performance Hall, and so many of our other amenities.  Without a solid, healthy downtown, redevelopment in the other Central City areas would not be as successful.  But it is time for our vision to extend beyond downtown and to connect our other urban corridors such as the Near Southside, 7th Street, Northside and Southeast so that all of Fort Worth’s businesses and citizens can grow and thrive.

As Mayor, I will make implementation of a comprehensive public transportation system, including the modern streetcar as the “last mile” modality, a priority and support it with the full authority of the office.

Thanks for being engaged.  Together, we can make a New Way for Fort Worth.

Best Regards,
Dan Barrett”