CARTA moving forward with $14.5 million Intermodal Center
CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The Federal Transportation Authority has agreed to move forward in supporting CARTA's long-planned $14.5 million North Charleston Intermodal Transportation Facility, according to CARTA officials.
"We are so appreciative of the FTA's efforts in assisting us in finding a solution to move forward with a much-needed regional intermodal facility," said CARTA Executive Director Christine Wilkinson."This project is a giant step forward for transportation in the Lowcountry, and we look forward to its completion in the very short term."
Officials say the facility, which is expected to be completed in 30 months, will house Amtrak passenger trains, buses, and provide taxi and shuttle services.
"By allowing the proceeds from the sale of the West Montague site to be invested in the new intermodal center, the FTA will continue its support for a project that will strengthen the transportation network of the Charleston area by providing intermodal connectivity," stated FTA Deputy Administrator Theresa McMillan.
According to a release from CARTA, the FTA has agreed to move forward in support of the project under the following guidelines:
- CARTA will reappraise and sell the original site located at Dorchester Road.
- FTA will allow CARTA to retain up to $4.7 million of the sale proceeds as Federal funds to be invested in the new intermodal center project which will be located near the current Amtrak Station site – and to transfer $433,000 in Federal interests in the previously completed engineering and design work to the new project.
- CARTA will develop and construct the new regional intermodal transportation center for $14.5 million.
- CARTA will eventually repay the FTA the remaining $3.7 million in Federal transit funding that was invested in the West Montague site and not tratransferable the new project.
- Through other FTA grants and a local match, the project is fully funded. It must be completed in 30 months.
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