COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It's a transportation project that Columbus' mayor has been talking about for years: streetcars in Columbus.

Mayor Michael Coleman's office believes that adding streetcars to Downtown will spur economic development, attract jobs, help make Columbus a green city and connect people to dozens of Downtown destinations. But how much will streetcars cost taxpayers?

Coleman discussed his proposal Thursday night for funding the $103 million project.

The plan for phase one is a 2.8-mile stretch on High Street running from the Franklin County Courthouse to The Ohio State University campus -- not including German Village or the Brewery District, which had been discussed in a past streetcar conversation.

 It wasn't difficult to find streetcar supporters walking the streets of Downtown.

"I think we all have to pitch in and help revitalize the economy and Downtown especially," said Kate Kennedy.

Ohio State student Jeff Hobensack said he would rather see the money spent on upgrading city buses.

"I think it's probably overpriced. We don't need them," he said.

Coleman argued the economic benefits from streetcars and the effect on the work commute will pay dividends immediately and, perhaps more importantly, in the future.

"In order to remain a competitive city, we must move toward rail options in our city," Coleman said.

The mayor said the future fixes to the Interstate 70/71 split factored into the decision and the cost to operate the system is expected to top $4 million each year.

"We're looking at those who are receiving the benefit to pay for the majority of it. And those who don't want to ride it, obviously don't have to pay for it," Coleman said.

Nothing is firm, but Coleman said he wants the bulk of the funding to come from what he calls a benefit zone, which surrounds the planned route along High Street.

All parking revenue from the benefit zone would be dedicated to streetcars, including a increase on metered parking and a 4 percent surcharge on paid parking and ticket admissions to sporting and entertainment events. 

Fares and an annual funding contribution from The Ohio State University would bring benefit zone funding to 80 percent of the cost needed to build and operate the starter line.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has pledged $20 million to the project.

Mayor Coleman proposed an initial investment from the City Capital Budget of $2 million in 2008 to begin engineering the project. Under this scenario, the streetcars could be rolling as early as 2012, in time for the City’s Bicentennial celebration, with construction starting as early as 2010.

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