A streetcar named development in D.C.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Washington transportation officials are planning a light-rail route in the city, marking streetcars' return to the District of Columbia after a 40-year absence.

The light-rail line will connect the Anacostia Metro Station to Bolling Air Force Base at a cost of $10 million. The city hopes to have the route completed by the spring of 2008,Tthe Washington Times reported Friday. The track will be 1.1 miles long and will connect riders to the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium, which will open at about the same time.

Similar transit systems have experienced notable growth in more than 20 U.S. cities during the last two years and transit officials hope to revitalize parts of the city by increasing consumer traffic with a light-rail system, the Times said.

Washington had a trolley-car system in place from the late 1800s to 1962, when they were phased out in favor of the automobile.