Kasich wants to withhold streetcar funds

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

Ohio Gov. John Kasich and his administration want to withhold nearly $52 million recommended for Cincinnati’s streetcar project because there’s doubt about supporters’ claims that it would create thousands of jobs.

Kasich made the comments while visiting the city Friday, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

The $128 million streetcar line would link the central business district with neighborhoods north of downtown. A map of the proposed line showed 21 stops along a nearly 5-mile loop.

Nearly $52 million in funding for the project was recommended under former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, but the current administration is taking a different view as state transportation officials are expected to decide on the funding next month.

There would be a $30 million hole in the city’s budget for the first phase of the project if it doesn’t get the state money, and one councilman has said he won’t support the project until the funding is secure, the Enquirer reported.

Studies have estimated the streetcar line could create thousands of jobs and boost economic development along the route, but Kasich said his transportation director doesn’t agree with that analysis and found local businesses don’t think the plan makes sense.