SOUTH BEND — South Bend’s Amtrak Train Station is moving to the historic Union Station in the future after the city received a $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration.
Bringing a train service back to downtown has been on the city’s radar for many years, Mayor James Mueller said, and the city purchased the building from its previous owner, Kevin Smith, about a year ago.
“He had taken it when downtown wasn’t in a good position. A lot of buildings were being torn down,” Muller said. “He was able to preserve it for this moment when downtown is coming back. … Now there’s an opportunity to bring a commuter train service back to downtown South Bend.”
The proposed project was selected for Project Planning and Project Development, according to FRA, and includes activities to support the future relocation of South Bend’s Amtrak station and associated track related infrastructure owned by Norfolk Southern and Canadian National Railway to historic downtown South Bend.
The $3.8 million granted is expected to cover design costs, and the FRA said it expects the city to contribute a 20% non-federal match.
Amtrak’s current station in South Bend is on West Washington Street, but, Mueller said, the current location is in dire need of renovation, and the train station company wants to be downtown. The future station’s location will enable reduced trip times, increased ridership and better connections to transit routes, according to the FRA, and South Bend was the only recipient in Indiana.
“It’s always proud when we’re able to put forth a project that wins these competitive funding rounds,” Muller said. “It shows why we’re competitive. It’s because people can see the resurgence of our downtown [and] the resurgence of our city, and that this is a good place to make an investment for the future.”
Email South Bend Tribune business reporter Jessica Velez at jvelez@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Federal grant helps bring South Bend Amtrak Station to Union Station
Reporting by Jessica Velez, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
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By Jessica Velez, South Bend Tribune | USA TODAY Network
