Dallas

Plano Gives Green Light to Move Ahead with DART to D/FW Plan

It's been talked about for years, but an east-west Plano to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport DART line is officially on the table for consideration.

"We're on board," Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere said Monday night, giving city staff the go-ahead to pursue the DART line.

Monday night was the first time the issue was officially on the table before the Plano City Council.

"I never thought I'd say I'm excited about transit and DART rail coming," LaRosiliere said. "Such is the life of a mayor."

The line was part of DART's 2035 plan, but if it was built then, the estimated cost would be $2.9 billion. Moving the plan up puts the building cost at an estimated $1 billion.

"So it makes sense to do it now instead of wait for a price increase," explained Deputy City Manager Jack Carr.

The plan would have two new DART stations at Shiloh and 14th Streets. Plano would pay approximately $12 million towards the project using tax increment financing (TIF). That means a portion of the property value increase from taxes on properties within a half-mile radius would go to the project.

City leaders pointed out Plano has grown, and public transportation needs to be part of the equation.

"We can't build enough roads to carry all of those people," said City Manager Bruce Glasscock. "For the region, mobility is critical."

Other cities along the line proposed line have similar decisions to make. DART is expected to take up the plan at its September budget meeting.

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