Omaha Streetcar Authority Launches Informational Website

From Nebraska Examiner:

By Cindy Gonzalez

January 26, 2023

OMAHA — Updates on the planned Omaha streetcar project can now be found on a new website launched by the Omaha Streetcar Authority.

“Omaha Streetcar On Track” provides a way to submit questions and lists a contact person at HDR. It offers other information, including links to legal and consultant documents, news stories and a map of the route from downtown to midtown.

There is also a list of frequently asked questions about the $300 million-plus project and the authority’s response to those.

The modern-day streetcar is an effort between the City of Omaha and the Omaha Streetcar Authority, which formed as a separate legal entity and political subdivision to oversee the project.

The seven-member authority is led by developer Jay Noddle, who was elected president and is the representative of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Others members are Omaha Public Works Director Bob Stubbe, Planning Director Dave Fanslau, Finance Director Steve Curtiss, all members of Mayor Jean Stothert’s cabinet, who were appointed by her and approved by the Omaha City Council.

Metro Transit representatives on the authority include CEO Lauren Cencic, Legal Director Edith Simpson and Finance Director William Clingman.

The authority is to hire a permanent director and staff later this year, according to the website.

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