A public forum will be held Aug. 30 in Grand Rapids to discuss the proposed Amtrak station in that city.

The Interurban Transit Partnership (ITP) – The Rapid plans to construct a new Amtrak Passenger Station, and accompanying track improvements, next to the Rapid Central Station in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This addition to the Rapid Central Station completes the original master plan for the campus by integrating rail, intercity bus and fixed route bus into a single facility, thereby making travel within and outside the region a seamless experience.

The proposed site is south of the Rapid Central Station and the Wealthy Street overpass. The project includes a new Amtrak Passenger Station and new spur rail from the existing CSX mainline near the corner of Buchanan Avenue and Pleasant Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The new track would extend north towards the Rapid Central Station. The project eliminates traffic impacts while the train is at the station as well as reducing operating costs for AMTRAK on the Pere Marquette route.

The Public Forum meeting will take place on:

DATE: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
TIME: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
LOCATION: Rapid Central Station
250 Grandville Ave. SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
ROOM: RCS 2nd Floor Meeting Room

Members of the community representing the various businesses, organizations, and institutions are encouraged to participate at the meeting and provide their comments and suggestions to the project team. Presentations from the Bergmann Associates / Progressive AE design team will be available for review.

For any further information please contact Mark Fedorowicz, Purchasing Manager; 300 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 at:
Tel: (616) 456-7514
Website: www.info@ridetherapid.org