(rshsdepot) Station Revitalization Benefits Local Communities

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Station Revitalization Benefits Local Communities
New Study Quantifies Economic Impacts


PRESS RELEASE (For Immediate Release)

Contact: Erich Strebe
   voice:  (505) 426-8055
   fax:  (505) 426-8057
   email:  estrebe_@_transact.org
   web:  www.stationfoundation.org

A new study demonstrates that restoring historic train stations to be
transportation centers for rail, bus and transit can be a powerful tool for
downtown revitalization in both big cities and small towns. The study,
Economic Impact of Station Revitalization, which was released today, was
conducted by the firm of Transportation Economics and Management Systems,
Inc. for the Great American Station Foundation.
As the disadvantages of suburban sprawl become more and more apparent,
communities of all sizes are making urban renewal and city center
development urgent priorities. Revitalized rail stations and multimodal
transportation centers are increasingly used as critical anchors for such
redevelopment efforts.
"This study will help communities understand and estimate the considerable
economic benefits of their own train station revitalization projects," said
Hank Dittmar, the Station Foundation's president. According to Dittmar,
these benefits can include significant increases in local employment,
household income, property values, and property tax receipts. "The ability
to realistically quantify these positive impacts can make it easier to
justify such projects to skeptical citizens and local governments," says
Dittmar.
The study shows that the benefits of station revitalization projects can be
substantial, depending on community size, the population density of the
transportation corridor, and the types of transportation available. The
final section of the study provides a step-by-step guide that communities
can use to gauge the economic impact of their own potential station
projects.
"The study clearly demonstrates that keeping transportation at the heart of
these revitalization projects pays off, both for tenants who benefit from
sales generated by train and bus passengers, but also for the community in
jobs and economic growth," said John Robert Smith, Mayor of Meridian,
Mississippi. " Our station project in Meridian has generated over $34
million in economic development in the city's downtown area."
The Great American Station Foundation is the national intermediary
organization for station revitalization, as well as for community
revitalization in areas surrounding intercity, commuter and urban rail
stations. The complete study, including both methodology and anecdotal
examples, may be requested by calling the Station Foundation at 505-426-8055
or may be downloaded.

Link to report:
http://www.stationfoundation.org/news/EI%20Study%20final%20report.pdf

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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #323
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org