Transit Connector: 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 [email protected] Application ID: shelley6781-1548 Georgia Transit Connector: 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 , 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 , Ellis Street, Carnegie Way (MARTA) to bring to fruition a critical transit and Andrew Young International to project that will connect the area and the Drive, then continue greater region: the Atlanta Streetcar. eastbound via Luckie Street to . 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 to conveniently travel from key destinations Historic Atlanta Streetcar 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 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 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, 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 , 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 . The Historic Preservation District . AmericasMart (containing 850,000 SF of exhibit space for market shows containing more than . main campus, including 4,000 showrooms and space for wholesale four student housing facilities merchandise) . . 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 . . 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 . : Direct connection MARTA Heavy Rail Stations . and : 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 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, , 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 , 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 4% of its expenses to be Issuance of bonds has been approved as Advertising and covered by various forms Concessions well. (Please refer to Appendix B for all 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) Quality (CMAQ) Funds to establish an operating of Directors meeting. ADID has also 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 years Georgia 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 throughout the Atlanta central business Criteria Cost(s) Sum district for users of the state’s transportation Residual Value State of Good system while at the same time generating of Streetcar $1.36 Repair economic growth. As documented in the Investment State Transportation Board’s study “Investing Economic Land Market in Tomorrow’s Transportation Today,” or $159.33 Competitiveness Benefits IT3, Georgia will benefit economically from 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 Emissions Sustainability $0.10 of 2010, which has been encouraged by the Reductions Atlanta region for several years, provides for Travel Time Livability $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 and Georgia 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 streetcar, and facilitated advocacy and outreach extend the life of previously-funded FTA 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 project Georgia 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) for Georgia 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 Park Georgia 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 Civil Georgia 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’s Georgia 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 (<$15,000 / year, 2010 estimate) 44.5% Unemployment Rate (Workers 16+, 2010 estimate) 18.5% City of Atlanta Umemployment Rate ( June 2010, preliminary)* 11.4% Georgia State University Enrollment (Fall 2010)** 31,160 616,271 hospital visits / Grady Memorial Hospital (2009)** 953 beds 72,000 hospital visits / Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding (2009)** 24 beds Source: Community & Economic Development Department; from U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000 Census of Population and Housing. ESRI Forecasts for 2010. *June 2010 unemployment data originates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. ** Data provided by respective institutions.

Coordination of Transportation and Land transportation investment, its benefits will Use Policies and Community Participation have a pivotal impact on the qualitative The Atlanta Streetcar project is the result of measures of community life in Downtown and many years of planning, local commitment, the City of Atlanta. In consideration of the and extensive community participation livability characteristics described previously, to coordinate transportation and land use the Atlanta Streetcar project furthers the six decisions. Please reference Table 9 in Section Livability Principles developed by USDOT IV for a list of relevant plans and initiatives. with HUD and EPA as part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities (Table 11). Although the Atlanta Streetcar is a 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 Provide more Connections with the MARTA rail line at the Peachtree Center and other ütransportation choices transportation services will improve traveler options. Promote equitable, 4,055 housing units exist and 1,998 housing units are proposed, planned, or üaffordable housing under construction within 2 blocks of the streetcar route. Greater mobility freedom by conventioneers and tourists will aid in Enhance economic maintaining Atlanta’s consistent rank as a top 5 convention city in the United competitiveness ü States. The streetcar will provide an amenity for residents, commuters and visitors Support existing  to use for both work and play. It will bridge a disconnect of neighborhoods communities ü created by the construction of Interstate 75/85. Coordinate policies and The streetcar has been included in a number of plans and initiatives that üleverage investment coordinate transportation and land use. Value communities and As a context-sensitive mobility and economic development project, the üneighborhoods 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 building Georgia 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-term Georgia 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 isinteroperable 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 a Georgia 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. () 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 Transportation Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 25

. Planning activities have included Disciplinary Integration coordination with the Atlanta BeltLine The project development effort has been project team to ensure a future financed and supported by private sector connection with the future BeltLine trail business interests, key Atlanta region system, located less than one mile from leaders and stakeholders. As evidenced by the Atlanta Streetcar project. the broad range of interests supporting the . The Atlanta Regional Commission, in project and the endorsement of the project its role as the Metropolitan Planning by ARC based on its integrated approach Organization for the 18-county Atlanta to transportation and land-use, the streetcar region has endorsed the application given embodies multidisciplinary approach to urban the project’s consistency with the adopted investment. Letters of support are included Plan2040 (the draft combined Regional in Appendix E. Supporters include but are Transportation and Development Plan) not limited to the Georgia Department of principles including increasing mobility, Transportation, Georgia State University, the fostering a healthy educated, well- Atlanta Housing Authority, the National Park trained, safe and secure population, Service and Centennial Olympic Park, and the access to jobs and services, improving National Railway Historical Society, Atlanta energy efficiency and environmental Chapter. preservation, and economic recovery and prosperity.

V. Project Readiness and NEPA

Project Schedule & Readiness . Construction is estimated to begin in . Through local contributions from the late 2011 and continue into 2012. It is City of Atlanta and ADID, and in-kind anticipated that service would start in FY work from MARTA, preparation for 2013. A project construction schedule procurement has occurred. Long- summary is included in Appendix F. lead items such as track hardware and vehicles have been secured as options on Environmental Approvals existing MARTA procurements or through . inter-governmental relationships. It is FTA has concurred with NEPA clearance proposed that the project be implemented through an Environmental Assessment through a design/build contract. Much (EA). The full draft EA document was of the procurement documentation submitted by MARTA to FTA on July and preliminary design is complete, 14, and comments were received August and it is anticipated that an expedited 3, 2010. A revised document will be procurement process can be initiated resubmitted to FTA in September 2010. following award of the TIGER II grant A Finding of No Significant Impact and the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is anticipated by November on the Environmental Assessment. 2010 / the end of the year. Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 26

Legislative Approvals TIP in the Georgia State Transportation Legislative approvals by the City of Atlanta Improvement Program (STIP.) See and ADID are in place to advance the Atlanta Appendix E. Streetcar project. Please reference Appendix . In addition the project is included in a B. number of local, regional and statewide . The Atlanta City Council adopted plans, as referenced in Table 9 in Section Resolutions 10-R-1228, 10-R-1230, and IV of this application. 10-R-1333 which were approved by the Mayor of Atlanta and allow for the City’s Technical Feasibility issuance of $10 million in locally funded Recovery Zone Economic Development Preliminary engineering and other critical bonds through the Atlanta Urban path elements for the Atlanta Streetcar project Redevelopment Agency for the Atlanta continue to advance. This work has included Streetcar project. the development of design standards, utility scans and coordination, vehicle procurement . The City of Atlanta’s share of the work, alignment drawings, operating plan, operations and maintenance costs will be a risk register, program management plan, paid for by dedicated Atlanta Hotel/Motel procurement strategies and traction power Tax and Rental Car Tax for a period of 20 analysis. The elements of the TIGER II project years per ordinance 10-O-1171. are technically feasible. Alignment drawings . On July 16, 2010 the ADID Board are included in Appendix G. of Directors approved the District’s commitment of up to $1.0 million per year over a period of 20 years to support Financial Feasibility the Atlanta Streetcar’s construction and The City of Atlanta and ADID have obligated O&M costs. A portion of this funding 22% of the local funds required to implement will be used for the issuance of general the project from City and private sources. obligation bonds by ADID for the The partners have also obligated the financial streetcar’s construction. commitments to ensure a positive 20-year . Fulton County, DeKalb County and the cash flow for operations and maintenance. City of Atlanta unanimously adopted the Both capital and operations and maintenance 13th amendment to the MARTA system costs and revenues have been developed with plan, the Rapid Transit Contract and appropriate cost escalations and conservative Assistance Agreement, to add the Atlanta assumptions to assure minimal risk. Reference Streetcar Project in 2009. Section III for additional detail on project commitments and costs and Appendix B for adopted legislation and approved board State and Local Planning actions. . Included with the application is the required letter of concurrence from the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Atlanta Region. The project is included in the FY08-12 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP ref. AR- 456A) and the complete extended Atlanta Streetcar System is included in the Atlanta Region’s Regional Transportation Plan “Envision6.” It is included by reference to the Atlanta Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 27

VI. Federal Wage Rate Certification Georgia Transit Connector: Atlanta Streetcar TIGER II Funding Application Project Narrative 28

VII. Final Page of Application

The following represents changes between this application and the pre-application form. Streetcar track distance used in the cost estimate is 2.7 miles, which includes non-revenue track.

Revenue track is 2.6 miles.