The Loop Trolley project reached another milestone recently with the release of the Draft Environment Assessment. The $43 million project, slated to open in 2012, would contruct a 2.2 mile streetcar line with 9 stations extending from Trinity Ave near the Lion’s Gate in the Delmar Loop to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. The Final Environmental Assessment is expected to take approximately 6 months to complete.

The Loop Trolley project received a major boost last year when it was awarded $25 million by the Federal Transit Administration. The award, part of the FTA’s Urban Circulator grant program, was one of 5 given to streetcar projects across the country.

Thus far, project officials have identified $36 million in potential funding sources. Officials hope to secure the remaining $7 million from institutional, corporate, and private donations.

An open house concerning the Draft Environmental Assessment will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum located at Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. Maps and other information pertinent to the Loop Trolley project will be on display. Comments will be accepted until May 5 and can be submitted either at the open house, by email, or via the project website.

Cross-posted at nextSTL.