A feasibility study found that a tram that would run on electric rails and link downtown’s Western Gateway Park to the East Village would be a “great asset” to downtown Des Moines because of development potential and return on investment.

Well more than 1 million square feet have been classified as offering redevelopment opportunity within three blocks of the proposed alignment, according to the study by Omaha, Neb.-based HDR Inc. and local firm Genus Landscape Architects. Running the route near parking lots, vacant parcels, dilapidated buildings, and underperforming warehouse or industrial space was a primary consideration when the route was being considered, according to the study.

“By making our city more sustainable and providing this amenity, we will become more attractive to businesses who are considering relocating to the Des Moines area, as well as existing and future downtown residents,” said Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, in a release.

Still, concerns exist over raising funding for the system. (See a full breakdown of potential taxes to support the project on page 52 of the study). The estimated capital cost of the system, which includes a 30 percent planning level contingency, is $104 million in 2009 dollars. The estimated operating and maintenance cost for the project is $150 per hour, for an annual cost of $5.53 million.

“This is a great project that has the ability to transform the city, but we need to make sure we can afford both the cost to build and operate the system,” Cownie said.

The project is physically feasible and would have “minimal disruption to traffic flow, utilities or other uses of the public right-of-way,” according to the study. It is also compatible with the current improvements being planned and implemented downtown, and would “improve the overall efficiency of the region’s transportation system by reducing the number of automobile trips.”

Trams would share traffic lanes with automobiles, run every 15 minutes at an average speed of 6 to 8 miles per hour (including stop time), and stop approximately every three blocks.

This is a long-term project, however, and many steps, including completing a full engineering and design study that takes approximately six months, would need to be completed prior to beginning construction.

The study was commissioned by the Downtown Commuity Alliance, the city of Des Moines, Polk County and the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority.

Read the full report here