(The following story by Bernard Harris appeared on the Intelligencer Journal website on August 2, 2010.)
LANCASTER, Pa. — The renovation of the Lancaster Amtrak station is back on track.
Three weeks after the $12 million project appeared in danger of derailing over cost increases, representatives of Amtrak, Lancaster County, project officials and politicians have met and talked through the issues.
“I think we really came away from the meeting as partners and are ready to move forward,” said county Commissioner Craig Lehman.
At issue was an apparent tripling of fees Amtrak was charging for contracted work done by its trades-people. An initial estimate of the cost was $833,280. A revised estimate was $1.7 million.
Last month, Lancaster County Planning Commission Chairman James Cowhey said he had gotten a revised estimate that put the cost at nearly $2.5 million. That estimate put the project $600,000 over budget and threatened completion of the renovation, Cowhey had said.
On Monday, Amtrak spokeswoman Karina Romero said the higher number represented a “worst-case scenario.” Amtrak does not expect the cost to be that high, she said.
Amtrak officials agreed at the meeting to limit its costs to the $1.7 million it had estimated in 2008.
Any costs beyond that amount would be borne by Amtrak.
“We just don’t anticipate that happening,” Romero said.
“I think we collectively breathed a sigh of relief” once the budget issue was resolved, Lehman said.
Amtrak officials also pledged to be more involved with the project and increase its communication and transparency regarding its billing documents, according to an Amtrak statement released after the meeting.
Cowhey said he hopes that will allow for quicker completion of the renovation.
The project includes the renovation of the interior and exterior of the 81-year-old station, including the expansive granite-and-marble main level and concourse. Lower-level offices and work areas also are being redone.
The parking area outside the station is being enlarged, and a new passenger dropoff and pickup point is being added. The station’s driveway will be connected to North Duke Street, the station will be made more handicapped-accessible and space is being made for retailers. Also, air conditioning is being added.
It is expected to be completed in September 2011. Cowhey said an earlier completion is possible.
In addition to Amtrak officials, Cowhey and Lehman, also attending the meeting were: Commissioner Scott Martin, representatives for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Congressman Joe Pitts, state Sen. Lloyd Smucker, the project developer, Lancaster County Transportation Authority and project manager KCI Technologies.
Lehman, on behalf of the county, thanked Casey and Pitts for bringing the parties together.
“We were very pleased with the way Amtrak came to the table ready to propose solutions to the concerns we had,” Cowhey said.
Lehman, who was a legislative staff member in Harrisburg before his election, said he is a former rail commuter. He heard rumors as far back as 1991 the station would be renovated. He is delighted to see it actually happening.
“Nothing will make me happier than when we have a completely renovated train station that will be an asset to Lancaster County,” he said.