Add East Lansing to the list of Midwest communities that are upgrading and consolidating their local bus transit systems and intra-city bus services within a new Amtrak station along with long term parking, taxi and bicycle facilities.
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East Lansing wins $6.2M federal grant for new multi-modal transit station
Published: Monday, July 23, 2012, 12:40 PM Updated: Monday, July 23, 2012, 1:09 PM
Angela Wittrock |
awittroc@mlive.com By Angela Wittrock |
awittroc@mlive.com
EAST LANSING – A federal grant will help the city of East Lansing build a new transportation station to serve Michigan State University students, residents and the Greater Lansing region, city and federal officials announced Monday.
"The quality of public transit in the Greater Lansing region is about to take another big step forward," said Robert Rivkin, general counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The $6.2 million award is part of nearly $47 million in grants for six other transportation projects in Michigan, including upgrades in Kalamazoo, Jackson and Battle Creek.
Federal officials say some $787 million has been awarded nationally to modernize and repair transit stations and infrastructure.
The funding will cover most of the cost of the new Capital Area Multimodal Gateway Project.
The total project cost is estimated to be $10.48 million.
Amtrak, which operates train service from the station, and the Michigan Department of Transportation are each contributing $500,000 toward the new station.
Michigan State University, through a long-term land lease of the property, will kick in an additional $3.2 million.
"This station provides a vital link for thousands of students and local commuters who pass through here every day to board a bus, hop on a bike, or take a train," Rivkin said.
"This is a great win for the Greater Lansing region, bringing an essential facility into the modern age, making it accessible for people with disabilities, improving safety for pedestrians and, above all, restoring a measure of civic pride to all who pass through here," he said.
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The station, along with all but one surrounding structure, will be razed; the new, larger facility will be built in its stead, and will include a train platform for passengers, as well as bike parking, a CATA bus stop for inner-city bus routes and pedestrian improvements.
East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett said the station had registered a 200 percent increase in Amtrak ridership since 2003, showing a demonstrated need for a more modern, accessible facility.
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The new facility will include 140 parking spaces, parking and storage for bicycles, and a commuter rail platform.
Officials also plan to have taxi service on site, as well as service stops for the new Megabus system and the popular Michigan Flyer bus.
Construction is expected to begin as soon as the grant funding is released.