Ogden mayor drops streetcar project

OGDEN — Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey says he's put the brakes on a proposed $160 million streetcar system because the project is too expensive.

The Standard-Examiner of Ogden reports the city would have to double property taxes to cover the $80 million needed for construction and $2.3 million in annual operating costs. That's even if the federal government funded half the project.

Godfrey says the city just doesn't have the funds.

City councilmembers, however, say they'll go forward with a study on the streetcar's economic impact and the viability of securing federal funding.

The proposed streetcar line would link downtown Ogden with Weber State University and McKay-Dee Hospital Center.

The council contends the route would foster development and serve city residents.