|
CHAPTER XI - IMPLEMENTATION The completion of this feasibility study marks the end of the first step in implementing a streetcar system in Eureka Springs. At the same time, by finding that such a system is feasible, it marks the beginning of a series of steps which must be undertaken before the system begins revenue operation. The overall process is reviewed below, in order to provide a context within which the immediate next steps can be undertaken. Funding Plan Development and Preliminary Engineering The basic process is designed so as to permit review of the project at several key points. The first of these is on completion of the initial feasibility work. Assuming there is general consensus on the desirability of proceeding, the next step is to take the planning and preliminary system definition work of the feasibility study and refine it. In this stage, the various alignment options are detailed, and the specific traffic and parking mitigation measures will be defined. These options will be carefully and thoroughly reviewed with the community in order to reach a consensus. Other elements of the system will be similarly detailed and reviewed. Capital and operating cost estimates will be made to reflect the results of the consensus forming activities, and the engineering work performed. The resulting product, which will require about six months, will include the following specific deliverables:
While the above work is underway, a parallel effort will develop the capital and operating funding methods to be used for implementation and operation. This work will require careful coordination and communication with Federal, State and local officials as well as wide community involvement. If successful, the work will result in a funding plan which represents agreement in Eureka Springs, and which Council can approve and aggressively pursue. At the completion of this phase, the community will have reached a significant review milestone. Eureka Springs can elect to proceed with the project, or can decide to stop further work. Funding Approval If Eureka Springs reaffirms its decision to implement the streetcar, the next step is to achieve agreement among the parties who will provide funding. Because the exact make-up of the funding plan is not known at this time, it is difficult to predict the time required. However, accepting that Federal capital funds will likely be a key part of the plan, it is probable that obtaining this element of the capital funding will require the greatest amount of work. The process for obtaining Federal funding is lengthy but straightforward. The Arkansas Department of Highways and Transportation can provide information on grant application procedures, as can the Federal Transit Administration Regional Office in Kansas City. The Members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation have already been briefed by CETA, and have expressed their willingness to be of assistance and support. In working to obtain Federal transit capital funding, it is important to work within the schedule of the annual appropriations cycle. Here again, assistance from the Congressional Delegation staffs can be of help. Final Design Once the project has been approved at the local, State and Federal level, it moves into the Final Design phase. This work finalizes all design work and results in comprehensive packages for use in procurement, award and construction. These include:
Once this work has been completed, and with funding arranged, the project can proceed into the construction phase. The engineering activities will continue, but will address issues of bidding and procurement, including assistance with the entire bid and award process. Construction Construction can begin once bids are awarded. Because of the nature of the area through which the system will be built, it is very important that project management and the contractors work closely with residents, merchants and others affected to assure minimum business disruptions occur during construction. Other projects of a similar nature have created Advisory Committees of affected individuals and firms to accomplish this, and such an organization is recommended. Startup Once the system has been constructed, and prior to actual revenue operation, it is extremely important that it be thoroughly tested and "wrung out". During this period vehicles and other elements would be "run in"; operators trained, maintenance workers trained, and actual simulated operations undertaken. This careful preparation will minimize opening day difficulties. Potential Implementation Schedule An exact schedule for the implementation of the Eureka Springs streetcar cannot be determined this early in the process. However, the following is a guideline of key events. This guide is a very ambitious schedule, and will require a high degree of community involvement; prompt resolution of issues; timely decision-making; and close work with State and Federal agencies. Needless to say, it will require a great deal of committed work from all involved. November, 1998 Approve feasibility study, begin Early Action Steps (see below) March, 1999 Begin Preliminary Engineering. September, 1999 Complete Preliminary Engineering Adopt final system plans December, 1999 Begin construction February, 2001 Begin startup activities April, 2001 Begin revenue operation Early Action Steps With the submittal of this report, the project moves from feasibility to implementation. There are three immediate action steps which CETA must undertake in order to move ahead:
As has been pointed out, there are several key design issues which impact the Historic District in a significant way. It is important that CETA maintain the good faith efforts which have characterized its activities thus far by taking early steps to provide a fair, open and equitable process by which affected members of the community can work together to reach a consensus on the optimum resolution of these issues. Conclusion The restoration of an electric streetcar line to Eureka Springs is feasible. |
| Presented on-line as a public service by Positive Idea Marketing of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. |