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7 t f~ T~;= ~ <br /> ~ f~1 ~7 ~ <br /> Septembe 16, 2004 <br /> CONTACT Russ Mecredy, Project Manager, 682-6024 <br /> From Publi Information Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 <br /> FOR IMM DIATE RELEASE <br /> Dedicat on Event Monday Marks Completion of First Phase of Eugene Depot Project <br /> A d dication event will be held Monday, September 20, beginning at 10 a.m. to celebrate <br /> substantial ompletion of the initial phase of the Eugene Depot project. U.S. Rep. Peter <br /> DeFazio, E gene Mayor Jim Torrey, Eugene City Councilor Scott Meisner, Oregon <br /> Transporta ion Commissioner Randy Pape', Amtrak Oregon District Manager of Transportation <br /> Tony Busc mi, former mayor Ruth Bascom and other notables will be on hand to formally <br /> dedicate th newly rehabilitated station at the north end of Willamette Street. <br /> The ceremony caps ayear-long project to make the 1908 rail depot and 1955 mail shed <br /> addition a fe and convenient multi-modal transportation facility, accommodating train <br /> passenger ,motorists, bus users, bicyclists and pedestrians, and local Amtrak staff. <br /> The project grew out of a vision for the north end of downtown Eugene that saw the <br /> depot not o ly as an historic facility but also one that would serve future transportation needs <br /> and functio as a civic destination. The station rehabilitation project was designed to meet the <br /> aesthetic a d functional needs of a modern transit facility while preserving historic features and <br /> incorporati the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and current building codes. <br /> Con ressman DeFazio was instrumental in obtaining federal funding for the $4.5 million <br /> project, whi h includes approximately $3.5 million in various federal funds and a $1 million <br /> contribution from Amtrak. <br /> The initial project included long-term planning for the depot area, acquiring the station <br /> and the pro erty immediately surrounding it, and rehabilitating the depot. During construction, <br /> Amtrak mo ed its local operations to a modular structure so passenger rail and baggage <br /> operations uld continue without interruption while the building renovation work was being <br /> done. Amt k moved back into the renovated depot on September 9. The current phase of <br /> constructio will also include moving an 1880s-era bunkhouse to the west end of the property, <br /> and improvi g site surface drainage, improving pedestrian and vehicular circulation, <br /> landscapin the site, and providing a small civic plaza with pedestrian amenities. <br /> Fut a phases of construction likely would include additional site improvements such as <br /> <br /> further traffi circulation enhancements, a larger civic plaza area on the west end of the depot, a <br /> safe pedest ian crossing over the tracks on the north side of the station, significant <br /> improveme is to the passenger loading platform and new layover track improvement for easier <br /> <br /> and safer m nagement of passenger and freight trains in the area of the depot. <br /> Publi Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541)682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />