Regional transportation planners will use a federal grant to rebuild and enhance the Amtrak train station in East Lansing.
The $6.3 million grant will help the Capital Area Transportation Authority expand the Amtrak station near Michigan State University. CATA will create a 200-acre multi-modal facility, with a separate bus terminal, upgraded waiting platform and accommodations for taxis and bicycles.
U.S. Department of Transportation general counsel Robert Rivkin says the project is part of a $12 billion federal program to improve intercity rail service.
"Including very significant investments in Michigan to reduce travel times from Detroit to Chicago significantly," Rivkin says. "So, we're really thrilled to be working with our state partners in Michigan and around the country to improve passenger rail, which has got to be part of our country's transportation mix."
The project is expected to be complete by the fall of 2013.