LINCOLN- Omaha has already given the go to the streetcar through Downtown Omaha. Senator Lou Ann Linehan has different plans with legislation ready to block it. Among streetcar-related bills introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn is a call for the city or its streetcar authority to cover costs of gas and water utility work necessary to build the city-driven rail system.

Such language takes aim at a current conflict between officials of the city and the Metropolitan Utilities District over who should foot the bill for an estimated $20.5 million of utility line relocation and reinforcement needed. Another Linehan bill calls for a restriction in tax-increment financing, a statewide development tool she believes has become overused, in some cases abused. TIF is the key revenue source in paying off debt for Omaha’s modern-day streetcar system.

Linehan said she appreciates what the streetcar will do for Omaha. But the streetcar venture has financial implications beyond Omaha, said Linehan, chair of the Legislature’s Revenue Committee. She thinks more airing is needed and looks forward to learning more during public hearings in the State Capitol.

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