By Jennifer Rawls, Director of Communications, Mayor’s Office
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Regional Transportation Authority (“RTA”) has selected the firm of Parsons Brinkerhoff, Inc. to conduct a study that will bring Clarksville one step closer to having a commuter rail service between Clarksville and Nashville.
The study of the RTA, the Nashville Area MPO, the Clarksville Urbanized Area MPO and community stakeholders will decide on cost effective transit improvements for the Northwest area of Middle Tennessee.
“I am very excited about this project,” said Mayor Kim McMillan, the Vice-Chair of the RTA. “People have been talking about the possibility of a commuter rail service between Clarksville and Nashville for a long time. By working with the RTA, we are moving closer to making that a reality. The RTA recognizes the importance that Clarksville has on regional transportation issues and the success of the commuter bus service we began only confirms that fact.”
Grant money and a local match paid by the RTA totaling $1.2 million dollars have already been secured for the study, which will build on findings and recommendations from a 2008 Initial Feasibility Study and will explore all alternatives to improve the commute between Clarksville and Nashville.
“This is one of those situations where, in order to take advantage of the financial opportunities that may exist through state and federal funding, we must work through a process. This study is a very important part of that process and I appreciate the RTA staff’s hard work and the RTA board for supporting this project,” said Mayor McMillan.