Feds OK $50 million for Orange County Streetcar

The Orange County Streetcar would receive $50 million from the federal government as part of a congressional funding deal reached last weekend.

The project's inclusion in the funding package is a "strong indicator of federal support" for the streetcar, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) officials said in a press release.

Legislators are expected to vote on the omnibus spending bill before the federal government runs out of funding Friday.

Now in the design and engineering phase, the 4.1-mile OC Streetcar will run from Santa Ana to Garden Grove, Calif. Up to six streetcars are planned to run along the route, which will includes 10 stations.

The project is slated to cost $289 million. Other funding is coming from state and local sources, including Measure M, which is Orange County's half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.