By Bill Raack, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis, MO – A $25 million grant from the federal government means the Delmar Loop Trolley will become a reality soon.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the funding Thursday as part of the Obama administration's Urban Circulator Program.
Joe Edwards, the owner of Blueberry Hill and the Pageant, is spearheading the $44 million trolley project.
"This 25 million was absolutely necessary in order to get the project moving forward but there will be private money raised from people who believe in this type of transportation, believe in the future of St. Louis and connecting neighborhoods," Edwards said.
There was also a transportation district sales tax approved for the trolley in 2008.
U.S. congressman William "Lacy" Clay of St. Louis says he's been pushing for the funding for ten years.
"This exciting new attraction will serve both visitors and local residents, while generating jobs and lots of fun," Clay said.
The trolley will run between the U-City Loop and Forest Park, with nine stops along the way. Edwards says the trolley should be operating by 2012.