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(rshsdepot) Jackson, MI
From the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
Link to original story at:
http://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/index.ssf/2009/04/renovation_to_start_this
_summe.html
Bernie Wagenblast
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Renovation to start this summer at Jackson's train station; leaders hope to
secure additional funds to create intermodal hub
by Chris Gautz | Jackson Citizen Patriot
Thursday April 09, 2009, 4:44 PM
Work will begin in late summer to repair Jackson's downtown Amtrak station,
as officials mull the best way to direct additional federal funds so the
depot can be a stop on a high speed rail line between Detroit and Chicago.
On Thursday, state and local officials announced that $938,000 from the
stimulus bill would help fix up the depot. That money will be combined with
the $300,000 in funding Amtrak received in 2007.
The funds will be used to several needed repairs at the station, said Steven
Duke, a principal planner for the Region 2 Planning Commission.
Work will be done to repair problems with the foundation, gutters and roof.
They will also do masonry work, and sewer and electric upgrades.
"I think things will move fast," said Patrick Roach, an associate at Quinn
Evans Architects.
Once the restoration work is completed, officials will move to the next
phase of making the station an intermodal transportation hub. That would
involve making it a transfer center for the Jackson Transportation Authority
and include space for the Michigan Flyer Service, which provides
transportation to and from Detroit Metro Airport, and space for taxis to
park and wait for customers.
U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek said he wants the improved Jackson
station to be a stop on a high speed rail line between Detroit and Chicago.
"It is a top priority for me," he said.
Schauer said he will work with local planners on how best to find the next
roughly $14 million needed to turn the station into that hub.
Lt. Gov. John Cherry —Â who was in Jackson for the announcement Thursday —Â
said including Jackson on the high speed rail line is important.
The rail line would keep Jackson within easy reach of major economic
activity in Detroit and Chicago, Cherry said.
"It makes the community more attractive for economic development," he said.
Scott Fleming, president and CEO of The Enterprise Group, the county's
economic-development agency, agreed.
"I think we'll see more jobs coming," Fleming said.
The funds will be used to several needed repairs at the station, said Steven
Duke, a principal planner for the Region 2 Planning Commission.
Work will be done to repair problems with the foundation, gutters and roof.
They will also do masonry work, and sewer and electric upgrades.
"I think things will move fast," said Patrick Roach, an associate at Quinn
Evans Architects.
Once the restoration work is completed, officials will move to the next
phase of making the station an intermodal transportation hub. That would
involve making it a transfer center for the Jackson Transportation Authority
and include space for the Michigan Flyer Service, which provides
transportation to and from Detroit Metro Airport, and space for taxis to
park and wait for customers.
U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek said he wants the improved Jackson
station to be a stop on a high speed rail line between Detroit and Chicago.
"It is a top priority for me," he said.
Schauer said he will work with local planners on how best to find the next
roughly $14 million needed to turn the station into that hub.
Lt. Gov. John Cherry — who was in Jackson for the announcement Thursday —
said including Jackson on the high speed rail line is important.
The rail line would keep Jackson within easy reach of major economic
activity in Detroit and Chicago, Cherry said.
"It makes the community more attractive for economic development," he said.
Scott Fleming, president and CEO of The Enterprise Group, the county's
economic-development agency, agreed.
"I think we'll see more jobs coming," Fleming said.
=================================
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