A broad overview of what the Dinkey could be, if implemented, was presented to the Ames City Council on Tuesday evening.

Bob Bourne, director of transportation for Cy-Ride, presented some numbers on cost issues and how the implementation of a potential streetcar could benefit the Ames community.

If the Ames City Council decides to move forward with conducting a feasibility study on bringing back the Dinkey – a steam train that connected the ISU campus to Downtown Ames in the early 1900s – it would cost approximately $300,000, of which $240,000 would come from federal money. The remaining $60,000 would be divided among various local organizations, such as the university and the Government of the Student Body.

Bourne wanted to emphasize that nothing is set in stone and no action has been taken, but said he feels a streetcar system could help spur development.

This statement was based on examples from a number of cities around the United States, such as Kenosha, Wisc.

“It has been proven in many locations across the country,” he said.

Bourne presented a slideshow on what a streetcar would look like traveling through Ames.

He also showed two different styles of cars, one modern and one “heritage style,” resembling more old-fashioned street car styles and manufactured in Ida Grove.

Bourne said the major reasons development would be spurred by such a system is that it is fixed, and with that comes a long-term commitment from a community to continue the mode of transportation.

Bourne has not yet discussed the ideas with developers, but said “developers, in general, are attracted.”

Tony Borich, ex-officio student council representative, created his own study published in April 2005 on reviving the Dinkey through an independent honors course.

Borich, senior in community and regional planning, said that so far, all indications of progressing towards a feasibility study look promising.

“If the Cy-Ride director is willing to take a look into it, I am comfortable with it too,” he said.

If a feasibility study is to be conducted, it would be done by outside consultants because of their familiarity with the requirements of the Federal Transit Administration.