Orange County transit agency reaches streetcar agreement with Santa Ana, Calif.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the Santa Ana, Calif., earlier this week agreed on a memorandum of understanding outlining their respective roles and responsibilities related to the proposed OC Streetcar project.

OCTA will be responsible for the design and construction of the project, as well as operations, maintenance and ownership once it's operational. Additionally, OCTA must secure and administer project funding, agency officials said in a press release.

The agency will also handle project procurements and right-of-way acquisition activities with the city's assistance.

As part of the agreement, OCTA and Santa Ana must develop and participate in a public outreach program for the project.

Santa Ana Mayor and OCTA Director Miguel Pulido acknowledged the agreement as "another big step" for the project.

"The streetcar will improve the way people move through the heart of our county and provide needed transportation alternatives for a modern work environment," he said in a statement.

Up to seven streetcars are planned to run along the approximately four-mile route, which will feature 12 stations.

OCTA officials initially estimated the project to cost $250 million, with the agency seeking local, state and federal funding. The project is expected to move into the design phase later this year, with construction planned to begin in 2017.

The streetcar would open in 2019 according to the agency's current timetable.