Details of a new commuter rail plan will be unveiled to the public on Tuesday. 

The line would connect Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with downtown Austin, the Capitol, the University of Texas, and the Mueller and Triangle developments.

But how much would it cost?  And who would pay for it?

It could cost up to $300 million.  Mayor Will Wynn believes the project would mostly pay for itself. Wynn says if Austin wants to be the city residents expect it to be, with continued population growth and economic vitality, then it must do something smart and build a rail system.

“We have the opportunity to do it now before we grow much larger, while there is still positive development opportunities along the route,” he said.

The line would cost $20-30 million per mile for street cars and $30-50 million per mile for light rail and could cost more depending on whether utility lines are in the way.

Wynn believes the program could mostly pay for itself by creating a tax base.

“In a sense, (it’s) almost a self financing improvement district,” he said.  “It would be an investment that we have to make if we find the right product, the right route, to do what so many cities have already done, and so many cities need to do, which is connect the biggest, most obvious activity centers within the region.”

Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty isn't sure rail is the way of the future.

“People need to understand what it costs and how many people are riding,” said Daugherty.

The public will get a chance to voice their opinions at a meeting Tuesday night.  Roma, the city’s consultant, will release findings and recommendations for the rail project.  That meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Lake Center, 712 Barton Springs Road.