USDOT obligates $15 million TIGER grant for Rochester station

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has obligated a $15 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) IV grant for the design and construction of a new train station in Rochester, N.Y., U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced today.

The project is one of 47 transportation projects in 34 states and the District of Columbia that obtained funding through the TIGER 2012 program, USDOT officials said in a press release.

"This grant will give Rochester a modern train station that will connect residents to all of New York and New England," Foxx said. "Projects like this offer more transit options to more people."

The station will improve access to Amtrak's Empire service from New York City to Niagara Falls, the Maple Leaf from NYC to Toronto, and Lake Shore Limited from NYC/Boston to Chicago, as well as connections to other modes of transportation, such as bus service and taxis, USDOT officials said.

The grant to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will fund the final design and construction of the 12,000-square-foot station, which will include a high-level island passenger platform, an underground concourse for pedestrian and baggage access, two new dedicated passenger sidings, and additional track and signal work.

NYSDOT is providing $7.5 million for the project, while the city is contributing $500,000. NYSDOT expects to award a contract for the project in fall, with construction slated to begin in spring 2014.