Volunteers Transform Cut Bank Depot

CUT BANK, MONT. – A team of volunteers transformed Amtrak's Cut Bank station with hard work in early October, 2010 for the Cut Bank Chamber of Commerce annual Make a Difference Day. They restored the exterior of the building to its appearance of some 70 years ago, removing the metal screens over the windows and painting both the building and trim to accentuate the Swiss chalet architecture that was common to stations along the route of the Empire Builder. Businesses donated paint sprayers, lunches, and a bucket truck, and over a dozen volunteers donated two days of work.

Amtrak has been working with BNSF to allow the city of Cut Bank, Mont. to paint the former Great Northern station. The BNSF donated flagging protection to allow the painting to proceed. The next step is for the city to work with BNSF to acquire the facility, which might be through a donation or a $1 sale. Once Cut Bank is completed, Amtrak will start a similar process with Libby, Mont., with more stations on the Empire Builder to follow.

New Platform for Essex, Mont.

ESSEX, MONT. – A platform was recently completed at the Amtrak stop in Essex at a cost of $416,150. FY10 capital funds were used. The project included:

• concrete platform, 12' wide by 190' long
• railing, passenger/vehicle loading ramp
• platform lighting
• hydronic snow melting system
• space provision for a wheel-chair lift enclosure
• signage

The Essex stop primarily serves the Isaak Walton Inn, a major recreational destination.

MODERNIZED WILMINGTON TRAIN STATION RETAINS HISTORIC CHARM

Rededicated as the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station

Amtrak president and CEO Joe Boardman and Vice President Joseph Biden at the unveiling of the rendering of the dedication plaque

March 19, 2011

WILMINGTON – After nearly two years, the extensive renovation project to modernize the Amtrak Wilmington Station is now complete.

The historic station has been rededicated as the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station, in honor of the long-time Amtrak rider, strong advocate of passenger rail and current Vice President of the United States of America. As a U.S. Senator from Delaware for 36 years, Vice President Biden regularly used this station to travel between Wilmington and Washington, DC. “This is an historic day for Amtrak, the State of Delaware and the entire region,” said Amtrak President Joseph Boardman. “Today we are proud to announce that the Wilmington Station Project has been completed and not only have we improved the transportation function and utility of the station for our passengers but we have modernized and renovated the historic parts of the station while holding on to its charm.”

“The newly renovated Wilmington train station gives people a great first impression of our state,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “Equally great is naming the station after Joe Biden. As one of our country’s leading public servants, our ‘Joe’ sustains a momentum for Delaware while helping steer our nation down the right track.”

“The Wilmington Train Station is a special building and I hope all who travel through Wilmington take a minute to appreciate the beauty of it,” said Sen. Carper, a regular train passenger and long-time advocate for Amtrak. “This renovation is truly a partnership between Amtrak and federal, state and city officials, including then-Senator Joe Biden and Congressman Castle, and shows what good can come when people work together. The station’s new name honors a great leader for the First State and our nation, and a good friend of mine – Vice President Biden, and I am proud to help rededicate the station in his name. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Administration to support similar projects that invest in passenger rail to help create more jobs and provide more rail access with better results for Delawareans and riders across the country.”

"The Wilmington Train Station has been so important to Delaware's economic growth and this beautiful renovation will help ensure opportunities continue to pass through its gates,” said Sen. Coons. “It's fitting that we're naming this station after Vice President Biden, who has been a steady, tireless advocate for rail transportation in Delaware and throughout the nation. The renovation and re-opening of this station is a symbol of our state's tradition of its leaders working together across party lines to do what's best for Delawareans."

“The Wilmington Amtrak Station is more than just one of the nation’s busiest train stations—at more than 100 years of age, it is also one of our city’s greatest historic and architectural treasures,” said Wilmington Mayor James B. Baker. “Following a remarkable renovation and modernization project that successfully preserved the signature handiwork of the building’s famed Victorian architect, Frank Furness, this landmark building is now ready to proudly serve for another century.”

The renovation project balanced the need to modernize the station while retaining its historic charm. The project included detailed restoration to various parts of the station including the grand staircase located in the lobby and the historic men’s and women’s waiting rooms on the second floor.

Amtrak and SEPTA passengers utilizing the station will now enjoy a more comfortable and convenient station that features a larger concourse, safety improvements, a new passenger information display system and enhancements to the station’s accessibility to people with disabilities. In addition, the renovation includes track and platform improvements.

A number of environmentally-responsible elements also were included in the renovation, such as LED lighting, a new energy efficient heating/cooling system, and motion sensors for the operation of lighting and “smart” elevators that automatically shutoff when not in use for a period of time.

An Open House followed the dedication ceremony providing an opportunity for the public to tour the station as well as Amtrak and SEPTA train equipment. Funding for the renovation project was provided by Amtrak ($5.7 million), the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ($20 million), the Delaware Department of Transportation ($2 million) and the Delaware Congressional Delegation through the SAFETEALU Transportation bill and other appropriations bills ($10 million) all supported by the Biden-Carper-Castle Delaware Congressional Delegation.

The Wilmington Station is the 12th busiest station in the Amtrak system with 696,979 passengers in fiscal year 2010. In addition to Amtrak, the Wilmington Station also serves SEPTA and the Delaware Transit Corporation.

A rendering of the rededication plaque bearing Vice President Biden’s name was unveiled. A permanent, bronze plaque will be affixed to the train station at a later date.

Section 5309 Bus and Bus Facilities Program Grants (FY 2012): Bus Livability and State of Good Repair Initiatives

(Words or phrases in red are meant to highlight important keywords or essential program details. It is useful to employ this established vocabulary when writing your grant proposal.)

The following information applies to both initiatives:

Filing Date

State of Good Repair (SGR) proposals are due by March 22, 2012, and Bus Livability proposals are due by March 29, 2012. All proposals must be submitted electronically through the www.grants.gov “Apply” function. To use the website for the first time, an eligible applicant must register.

Eligibility

‘‘Direct Recipients’’ within the meaning of the FTA’s Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula program (Public bodies with the legal authority to receive and dispense federal funds), states, and Indian tribes.

Proposals for funding eligible projects in rural (non-urbanized) areas must be submitted as part of a consolidated state proposal with the exception of non-urbanized projects to federally recognized tribes. Eligible subrecipients include public agencies, private nonprofit organizations, and private providers engaged in public transportation.

State of Good Repair Initiative (SGR)

Description

Grants support capital projects, such as…replacement or modernization of intermodal facilities. FTA will prioritize the replacement and rehabilitation of intermodal facilities that support the connection of bus service with multiple modes of transportation, including but not limited to rail, ferry, intercity bus and private transportation providers. In order to be eligible for funding, intermodal facilities must have adjacent connectivity with bus service. SGR funds may not be used to fund operating expenses, preventive maintenance, or any other expanded capital eligibility items.

FTA will evaluate bus facility projects according to the following criteria:

• Demonstration of Need: This includes evaluating the project’s impact on service delivery and whether the project represents a one-time or periodic need that cannot reasonably be funded from FTA program formula allocations or state and/or local resources.
• Planning and Local/Regional Prioritization: The extent to which the proposed project is consistent with long range planning documents and local priorities.
• Project Readiness: The extent to which the project is ready to implement. FTA will assess whether the project is a Categorical Exclusion (CE) or the required environmental work has been initiated or completed for construction projects requiring an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under, among others, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.
• Technical, legal, and financial capacity to implement the particular project proposed.
  

Funding

The SGR Initiative follows the standard model of up to 80% federal funds with local matching funds of at least 20%.

Appropriation

$650 million (subject to funding availability)

Bus Livability Initiative

Description

This program makes funds available to public transportation providers to finance capital projects. The FTA will invest in projects that fulfill the six livability principles that serve as the foundation for the DOT– HUD–EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities:

• Provide more transportation choices: Develop safe, reliable, and economical transportation choices to… reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote public health.
• Enhance economic competitiveness: Improve economic competitiveness through reliable and timely access to employment centers…and other basic needs by workers as well as expanded business access to markets.
• Support existing communities: Target federal funding toward existing communities through such strategies as transit-oriented, mixed-use development and land recycling—to increase community revitalization, improve the efficiency of public works investments, and safeguard rural landscapes.
• Coordinate policies and leverage investment
• Value communities and neighborhoods
• Promote equitable, affordable housing
  

Grants support capital projects such as the purchase and rehabilitation of buses and vans, bus related equipment…and the construction and rehabilitation of bus-related facilities (including administrative, maintenance, transfer, and intermodal facilities). The FTA will prioritize the replacement and rehabilitation of intermodal facilities that support the connection of bus service with multiple modes of transportation such as rail, ferry, intercity bus, and private transportation providers. In order to be eligible for funding, intermodal facilities must have adjacent connectivity with bus service. Funds made available under this initiative may not be used to fund operating expenses, preventive maintenance, or any other expanded capital eligibility items.

Projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Linkage to Livability Principles: Livability investments are projects that deliver not only transportation benefits, but also are designed and planned in such a way that they have a positive impact on qualitative measures of community life. Important factors include how the project contributes to broader traveler mobility through intermodal connections and by reducing congestion on existing transit systems or roadways.
• Linkage to Environmental Sustainability: FTA will assess the project’s ability to improve energy efficiency or reduce energy consumption/green house gas emissions, as well as maintain, protect or enhance the environment, as evidenced by environmentally friendly policies and practices such as the pursuit of LEED certification, etc.
• Leveraging of public and private investments: FTA will give priority to projects that receive financial commitments from, or otherwise involve, state and local governments, other public entities, or private or nonprofit entities. FTA will also give priority to projects that are supported, financially or otherwise, by non-transportation public agencies that are pursuing similar objectives. Special consideration will be given to those projects that leverage or provide services that support projects funded under the DOT–HUD–EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities.
• Demonstrated Need for Resources: This includes evaluating the project’s impact on service delivery and whether the project represents a one-time or periodic need that cannot reasonably be funded from FTA program formula allocations or state and/or local resources.
• Planning and Prioritization at Local/Regional Level: FTA will examine each Bus Livability Initiative proposal for consistency with the area’s long range planning documents and local priorities.
• Project Readiness: The extent to which the project is ready to implement. For multimodal projects, this means that the proposal demonstrates coordination with and support of other transportation modes and partners. FTA will also assess whether required environmental work has been initiated for construction projects and that implementation plans are ready, including initial design of facilities projects.
• Technical, legal, and financial capacity to implement the particular project proposed.

Funding

The Bus Livability Initiative follows the standard model of up to 80% federal funds with local matching funds of at least 20%.

Appropriation

Up to $125 million (subject to funding availability)

* * * * *

Example of How Funds Were Used

Bus and Bus Facilities Program Grants have been used for a variety of projects relating to intermodal centers served by local and intercity busses and intercity passenger rail.

The city of New Rochelle, N.Y. won approximately $5.5 million in 5309 grants between 1996 and 2003 for the design/construction of an intermodal complex that incorporates a train station listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility accommodates Amtrak and Metro-North commuter trains, intercity and local busses, and taxis.

* * * * *

For more information about FY 2012 Bus and Bus Facilities Grants, see the detailed notice in the Federal Register.

AMTRAK NATIONAL ROUTE NETWORK BENEFITS FROM NEW FEDERAL INVESTMENT IN PASSENGER RAIL

Over half of $8 billion in grants for state projects will improve current or future Amtrak routes

WASHINGTON – The Amtrak national route network is a significant beneficiary of President Obama’s historic federal investment in intercity passenger rail as approximately $4.5 billion of the $8 billion awarded in grants are for state projects that support improvements to current or future Amtrak routes.

“Amtrak is a major part of the future of intercity passenger rail in America,” said President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “We are eager to work with our state partners to move these projects forward as quickly as possible.”

The federal investments in state projects will mean higher speeds, reduced trip times, additional frequencies, improved facilities, and greater reliability for Amtrak services around the country, impacting at least 13 current Amtrak routes.

In addition, the Amtrak-owned Northeast Corridor (NEC), North America’s only current high speed route with trains that operate at 150 mph every day, will benefit from nearly $500 million in state-led improvements funded by these grants. Coupled with the nearly $700 million Amtrak is currently investing in the NEC, Amtrak and the states are supporting the largest program of upgrades on the NEC in over a decade.

Further, these grants will help fund new services or service extensions that may be operated by Amtrak, including an extension of Amtrak’s Downeaster Service to Brunswick, Maine, and the development of the Ohio “3-C” corridor, connecting Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.

Amtrak also applauds the Administration’s decision to provide $3.5 billion in grants to California and Florida for the development of new, dedicated high speed rail systems. These new systems will showcase the tremendous value that intercity passenger rail service can bring to America’s transportation system. We look forward to opportunities to work with those states on the development of these systems and the integration of these systems into the national network of intercity passenger trains.

About Amtrak

As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.

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Amtrak Relocating From Denver Union Station to Temporary Station on February 4

Move will allow construction of new Amtrak and RTD commuter rail station with a regional bus facility at the historic landmark

Temporary Facility at 1800 21st St.

Beginning Feb. 4, 2011 Amtrak will temporarily relocate from the historic Denver Union Station to 1800 21st St., at the intersection of 21st St. and Wewatta St., west of Coors Field in Downtown Denver’s Prospect Neighborhood.

The temporary station is completely accessible to passengers with disabilities, offers Quik-Trak® self-serve ticketing kiosks, free WiFi and vending machines with snacks and beverages. Free parking is available at the temporary station for Amtrak passengers with proper validation. Amtrak passengers are encouraged to plan to be picked up and dropped off at the temporary location. Approximately 15 short-term parking spaces are available at the lot on the east side of the station, and 25 long-term parking spots are available on the west side of the station under the 20th Street viaduct. The temporary station is served by a RTD bus stop just steps from the door.

The move is necessary to accommodate construction of the new commuter rail station at Denver Union Station that will serve Amtrak and the East, Gold, North Metro and Northwest Rail commuter rail lines. When improvements are complete, Denver Union Station will be the centerpiece of the Regional Transportation District’s FasTracks transit expansion program and will serve as a multimodal hub for the region. Amtrak will return to Union Station in the spring of 2014.

In addition to the eight-track Amtrak and RTD commuter rail station, the $484 million Denver Union Station redevelopment project includes a 22-bay regional bus facility, new light rail station for current and future light rail lines, extension of the 16th Street Mall Shuttle and several public plazas to integrate transit services with adjacent neighborhoods. Amtrak operates two trains daily through Denver—the westbound California Zephyr departing at 8:05 a.m. and the eastbound California Zephyr departing at 7:10 p.m. The California Zephyr runs between Chicago and Emeryville, coursing through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and the Sierras to Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay.

Amtrak passengers also use Amtrak Thruway Motorcoaches at Denver to connect with the Amtrak Southwest Chief at Raton, N.M. That service will also be transferred to the temporary station at 1800 21st St.

Last year, 128,410 Amtrak passengers used the Denver station. For more information, Amtrak customers locally can call 303-825-2583 or the toll-free Amtrak contact centers at 800- USA-RAIL.

Amtrak Celebrates 20th Anniversary of ADA

July 26, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Amtrak is proud of its role as an important mode of travel for people with disabilities and of its special services to the disabled community.

Over the course of the last two decades, with input from advocacy groups, Amtrak has taken significant steps to make travel on Amtrak more accessible for passengers with disabilities.

Stations are a key component of traveling by rail, and while Amtrak owns only a small percentage of the stations it serves, the railroad is committed to working with all station owners to create a nationwide rail system that is fully accessible to each and every passenger. Currently, 94 percent of Amtrak passengers begin or end their trip at accessible stations.

Approximately 74 percent of stations served by Amtrak that are subject to ADA requirements provide barrier-free access for passengers with mobility-impairments. Amtrak is also taking steps to further improve accessibility at many stations including the repair of platforms, ramps and sidewalks, and the replacement of aging or obsolete wheelchair lifts and placing new ones in locations where there had been none.

Upgrading stations and making them fully accessible is a challenge that requires significant, dedicated funding and, in many cases, complex access and other agreements. Amtrak is conducting a capital improvement program to bring all designated stations up to the necessary standards at a cost of more than $1.6 billion. This summer, we are updating the report. In FY ’10, Amtrak allocated $144 million for station accessibility improvements.

The Great American Stations Project was created specifically to forge partnerships with public officials, states and local communities to rebuild and revitalize stations. An ongoing series of Civic Conversations between Amtrak and the cities we serve supplement the website to serve as a resource for information about station redevelopment and ADA compliance. Station Design and Signage Guidelines including basic engineering and functional requirements for stations are provided through this website. To get started, click here.