Street cars headed back to Washington

WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- Washington will soon enjoy streetcar service for the first time in 45 years as part of a $25 million project, officials say.

John Lisle, public information officer for the District of Columbia Department of Transportation, said the two-mile project is the first part of a streetcar initiative that will include the construction of a new maintenance facility and tracks, The Washington Times reported.

The service will operate three streetcars that have been in storage since they were purchased for $10 million in 2005.

District Council Member Jim Graham, who previously opposed an attempt to bring streetcars back to Washington, is now fully in support of the new project.

"Now there's been a reorientation, so it's serving the people of the District of Columbia and the route has a prospect now," the Democrat said.

The Times said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.