By William Gibson

Fort Lauderdale’s plan to build a visitor-friendly streetcar system to link its shops and downtown buildings will get a major boost this week when U.S. transportation officials dispense an $18-million grant for the first segment of the long-awaited project.

Plans call for the 2.7-mile Wave Streetcar to run on rails embedded in existing street lanes to be shared with cars. Construction could begin in 2014, and the system will likely begin serving passengers the following year.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Tuesday told Florida Democrats in Congress -- including Senator Bill Nelson, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston and Rep. Alcee Hastings of Miramar -- that the Fort Lauderdale project will get $18 million. A public announcement is expected later this week.

That’s 22 percent of the cost for the first segment. The state, Broward County, Fort Lauderdale and property owners near the route will pay the rest. The total cost is expected to reach about $140 million.

Local officials were delighted to hear about the money and to see a clear sign of federal support.

"Not only will this investment bring new, improved and more efficient transportation to the region, but it will also create and support jobs," Hastings said. "Additionally, the Wave promotes a livable community by integrating land use, transportation, economic development and environmental sustainability."

Maybe it also helps that this is an election year and that Florida, a major swing state, is getting a lot of attention from Washington.