Sends letter to Amtrak President and CEO
WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to Mr. Joseph Boardman, President and CEO of Amtrak, requesting information and a meeting on Amtrak estimates of a significant increase in costs for renovating the Amtrak station in Lancaster and the substantial additional expenditures that Lancaster County could incur as a result.
“Ridership on the Keystone Corridor continues to grow at a robust pace. Improving the Lancaster station to make it more accessible and user friendly will help maintain and grow ridership numbers,” wrote Senator Casey. “Simply stated, all interested parties must work together closely to ensure the successful and timely completion of this project without unduly burdening taxpayers in Lancaster County.”
In the letter, Senator Casey stressed the importance of the improvements to the station. He also recognized the concerns of local officials that the considerable increase in costs could hinder the completion of the project.
The full text of Senator Casey’s letter is below.
July 13, 2010
Dear Mr. Boardman:
I write to inquire as to the status of the renovation of the historic Amtrak station in Lancaster. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.
The project will provide for improvements to the interior and exterior of the station, which was constructed in 1929. It will also result in increased parking, a new heating/ventilation and air condition system, a new information kiosk and additional amenities. Press reports have indicated that Amtrak estimates that the cost of this project has increased significantly. Lancaster County is incurring substantial costs as a result of this renovation, and local officials are concerned that a considerable cost increase could hinder its completion.
In order to address this problem, I respectfully request a meeting with the appropriate Amtrak officials, my staff, local officials and other interested stakeholders. The goal of this meeting will be to address the future of the project and provide a forum to discuss the project’s cost projections. Given the importance of this matter, I request that this meeting occur this month.
Ridership on the Keystone Corridor continues to grow at a robust pace. Improving the Lancaster station to make it more accessible and user friendly will help maintain and grow ridership numbers. Simply stated, all interested parties must work together closely to ensure the successful and timely completion of this project without unduly burdening taxpayers in Lancaster County.
Please contact me directly with any questions, concerns or comments. Alternatively, please feel free to have your staff contact my staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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