Cincinnati streetcar bids come in over budget

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Construction bids for the Cincinnati streetcar project have come in way over city hall's budget.

The Cincinnati Enquirer (http://cin.ci/Vd2pbH ) reports that bids ranging from $26 million to $43 million over budget create the possibility that the city may throw them out and seek new ones.

Combined with other potential changes, the higher construction costs for tracks and stations could push the price tag for the project to at least $130 million.

It's the latest hurdle for efforts to move forward with the downtown streetcar, including two ballot measures drafted by opponents to do away with the project. Both measures ultimately failed.

The 3.6-mile project will link popular spots throughout the city's downtown and riverfront areas with the Over-the-Rhine historic district.

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Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com