FTA 06-05
Contact: Paul Griffo, Tel.: 202-366-4043
Friday, February 25, 2005

City of Richmond Receives $1.5 Million Grant from U.S. Department of Transportation for Upgrades to Historic Main Street Station

Richmond’s historic Main Street Station, which was restored to its original appearance with federal assistance in 2003, will receive $1.5 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for additional upgrades, FTA Administrator Jennifer Dorn announced today.

In addition to providing funding for continuing restoration of historic buildings at the station, the grant will fund improvements of the platforms, expansion of the ticket office, construction of passenger amenities, improvements to the parking area on the west side, and the construction of a bus terminal.

“The federal government’s investment in Main Street Station continues the ongoing transformation of this historic site into a vibrant multi-modal transit hub, and significant gateway into the region,” said Administrator Dorn.

The first phase of the Main Street Station restoration, completed in December 2003, included the renovation of the main station building, a National Historic Landmark, as well as construction of a passenger track platform and parking facilities. The station’s train shed, which is one of the last of its kind in the country, is also a National Historic Landmark. The structure, the size of two football fields, will also be restored as part of the project.

"This funding through the Department of Transportation will help the City of Richmond strengthen its transportation system for its citizens," said Congressman Eric Cantor (VA-7th).

Integrating rail service with bus, trolley, airport shuttle, taxi, and limousine services, the station is becoming a centralized transit facility that will provide a much-needed alternative to congested I-95 and I-64, and enhance air quality control efforts in the region.

Located in the Shockoe Valley historic district, Main Street Station was originally opened on November 27, 1901. The station is a Beaux Arts masterpiece, in the rich neoclassical style of architecture popular from the 1870s to the 1930s. Additionally, the station boasts the largest intact train trestle in the United States.

FTA's total commitment to the project to date, including the grant announced today, is $42 million.

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