Feds Give Millions For Upgrades To Stamford Transportation Center

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford will receive $9.16 million in federal Department of Transportation funds to make improvements to the Stamford Transportation Center, Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Monday.

The money, part of the BUILD Transportation grant program, will go toward upgrades to five elevators and 17 escalators and enhancements to the internal circulation system, according to officials.

"The Stamford Transportation Center sees more than 8 million passengers per year. It is one of the busiest transit hubs in the nation, and it is a vital connecting point for rail and bus commuters to and from Stamford," said Gov. Malloy in a statement. "This funding will make critically important improvements to the interior of the station, helping to ensure that it remains best-in-class for years to come."

Connecticut's United States Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th) were instrumental in obtaining the federal grant for Stamford. In addition to the federal money, the transit facility also is in line to receive $13.74 million from the state, which also will go toward improvements.

Judd Everhart, Director of Communications for the state Department of Transportation, told Patch that the state funding has been allocated.

"The funding is provided through the Special Transportation Fund (STF), specifically, the Bus and Rail annual bond program which provides funding to maintain and enhance the state’s public transportation infrastructure."

Among the items included in the state program are bus and rail facilities, equipment, rolling stock, track, bridges, stations, communication and signals and power projects necessary to support commuter rail and bus transit statewide, according to Everhart.

"The Connecticut DOT committed to providing the non-federal funding needed to support this project at the time of the grant application," Everhart added. "Applications cannot be considered unless there is a commitment to provide the non-federal share."

The federal grant will be administered by the state DOT, and construction on the improvements is expected to begin in 2019. Additionally, and independent of this project, CTDOT has launched a multi-year improvement initiative that includes canopy, lighting, restroom, and communications upgrades. Taken together, the upgrades will improve the reliability and speed of movement in the station, reduce the risk of severe delays, access impediments, and injuries to travelers.

"As both Connecticut and Stamford evolves, the need for a 21st century train station has become ever more evident," Stamford Mayor David Martin said. "This grant is an important first step that will hopefully lead to further transformation of the station. Thank you to Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes and Governor Dan Malloy for recognizing the importance of upgrading our Transportation Center."

Photo of the Stamford Transportation Center via Google Maps

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