FTA 11-05
Contact: Paul Griffo
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Tel.: (202) 366-4043

New Rail and Bus Transfer Facility in Fairbanks Funded by More Than $1.9 Million Grant from U.S. Department of Transportation

Residents of Fairbanks will soon benefit from a $1.9 million grant that will fund the construction of a new rail and bus transfer facility, Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn announced today.

The Alaska Railroad Corporation will use the $1.9 million grant to build the new intermodal facility to accommodate future expansion and tourism growth. The building will feature state-of-the-art train depot, additional bus parking and transfer areas to ensure smooth travel connections to and from trains, buses, taxis and automobiles.

“We understand that transportation plays a key role in the economy of Fairbanks—especially when it comes to the tourism industry,” said Administrator Dorn. “This improvement will ensure that Fairbanks has a safe, modern and efficient transportation center to welcome its visitors.”

The new location is easily accessed from downtown Fairbanks and the airport, and alleviates heavily congested conditions at the current facility that make loading and unloading passengers difficult, Administrator Dorn said.

Major construction is scheduled to be completed in April 2005 with passenger operations set to begin in mid-May. Final completion of the center, including exterior landscaping is expected in July 2005 and will serve passengers arriving from and departing to Denali National Park and Preserve, Talkeetna, Wasilla and Anchorage.

-END-