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On Friday, the Federal Transit Administration announced that the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) will receive $2.4 million in federal research funds to develop a domestically-produced streetcar propulsion system. The proceeds will fund initial work to develop a streetcar that can operate for short distances without power from overhead wires.

Powerless operation would enable streetcars to be introduced in areas where historic, environmental and other concerns limit the installation of overhead wires, according to TriMet.

Oregon Iron Works, the parent company of United Streetcar L.L.C, will perform the work.