The Bloomberg administration is finally ready to begin a study of whether it makes sense to bring streetcars back to Red Hook.

The Department of Transportation announced it has hired a consultant, the URS Corporation, for the $300,000, five month study. It will determine whether streetcars are needed, which routes would be best and who would pay for the service. Department of Transportation Secretary Janette Sadik-Kahn says the agency is using a federal grant to fund the study.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, who represents Red Hook, secured the money five years ago. Bloomberg made the study part of his platform for re-election last year, as a means of bringing more transportation to waterfront neighborhoods.

The city had originally planned to undertake the study last fall.

A spokesman hasn't responded to a request to explain the delay.