Final approval of Milwaukee streetcar project delayed

MILWAUKEE (AP) - The Milwaukee Common Council has voted in favor of a $124 million streetcar project, but is delaying final approval until next month.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/1BH4bp8 ) the delay until Feb. 10 is to give an organization led by two aldermen a chance to collect 31,000 signatures to compel a binding referendum.

The proposed 2.1-mile downtown Milwaukee streetcar line would provide an estimated 1,840 rides on weekdays. It's the first leg of a planned longer route that would extend to the lakefront.

Mayor Tom Barrett says he's pleased with the council's support, but concerned that outside influences are trying to shape the city's future. The state director for Americans for Prosperity - which receives funding from the billionaire Koch brothers - says it's been working to force the referendum.

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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com