The U.S. Dept. of Transportation today announced the winning projects for $1.5 billion in federal TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) transportation funding. The funding application for the first phase of the Boise streetcar system was not successful.

"We're disappointed that Boise’s Streetcar Project didn't receive TIGER funding today, but we've known all along that getting an award was a long shot," Mayor David Bieter said. "But we also know that today's news is not a judgment on the merits of Boise's Streetcar project. Federal officials have told us just how impressed they were with our application and how well it reflects the goal of using stimulus dollars to spur economic development."

Four other cities -- Tucson, New Orleans, Portland, and Dallas -- received a total of $160 million for their streetcar systems, a clear sign that streetcar projects are receiving significant support on the federal level.

Idaho was one of only nine states to receive no TIGER grants whatsoever -- including the $26 million that ValleyRide requested, and the City of Boise supported, for improved bus services.

"We are going to continue to explore ways to finance and build up the Boise Valley's transportation system, of which the streetcar is just one piece," Mayor Bieter said. "One of the benefits of today's decision is that it gives us the opportunity to broaden the exploration of the streetcar to learn if a north/south route from downtown to Boise State would be feasible for phase one."

The city will continue to look for opportunities for federal assistance on the streetcar project, including possible grants under the federal Small Starts program or the transportation reauthorization bill due to come before congress in the coming year.