4656890 Public Hearing on "The District of Columbia Streetcar System", B20-431, B20-546, B20-549, and B20-576

Notice of Public Hearing on

 

 The District of Columbia Streetcar System

 

and

 

Bill 20-431, the Transportation Infrastructure Mitigation Amendment Act of 2013

Bill 20-546, the Transportation Infrastructure Improvements GARVEE Bond Financing Amendment Act of 2013

B20-549, the Integrated Premium Transit System Amendment Act of 2013

Bill 20-576, the Vault Fee Assessment Amendment Act of 2013

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

at 11:00 a.m.

in Room 500 of the

John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC  20004

 

On Wednesday, January 22, 2014, Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson of the Committee on the Transportation and the Environment, will hold a public oversight roundtable on the District of Columbia Streetcar System.  The Roundtable will begin at 11:00 a.m. in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.   

 

            The District Department of Transportation has planned an 8-line, 37-mile streetcar system throughout the District.  Passenger service is expected to begin on the initial H Street / Benning Road segment in early 2014.  The District is already spending tens of millions of dollars on the streetcar system and has budgeted an additional $400 million during the next 6 years.  At the same time, the Mayor has convened a task force to consider the future governance and financing of the system, and he has solicited private companies to help build, operate, and maintain the first 22-miles of streetcar service.  The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the status of the initial segment, plans for future lines, proposals from the private sector, governance alternatives, and financing options for the streetcar system.

 

            In addition, the Committee will also consider a series of technical bills related to the District Department of Transportation.  Bill 20-431 would create a fund to receive money from developers to pay for traffic studies and mitigation.  Bill 20-546 would allow the District to issue GARVEE bonds to fund the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge project.  Bill 20-549 would allow the District to contract with private entities to design, build, operate, and maintain transit systems.  Bill 20-576 would clarify that any changes in vault fees would apply only prospectively.

 

The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official Hearing Record. Anyone wishing to testify should contact Ms. Aukima Benjamin, staff assistant to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, at [phone] or via e-mail at [e-mail].  Persons representing organizations will have five minutes to present their testimony.  Individuals will have three minutes to present their testimony.  Witnesses should bring 8 copies of their written testimony and should submit a copy of their testimony electronically to [e-mail].

 

If you are unable to testify in person, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record.  Copies of written statements should be submitted to Ms. Aukima Benjamin, staff assistant to the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 108, Washington, D.C. 20004.  They may also be e-mailed to [e-mail] or faxed to [phone].  The record will close at the end of the business day on February 4, 2014