Legislation proposes to name Philadelphia rail station after late congressman Gray

U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) last week introduced a bill that would rename Philadelphia's 30th Street rail station in honor of the late William Gray III, Fattah's predecessor in Pennsylvania's second congressional district.

Gray, who died in July 2013 at the age of 71, is credited with securing a significant portion of the funds for the $78 million overhaul of the station that was completed as he was leaving office in 1991. While in Congress, Gray was a key sponsor of a $13 million Urban Development Action Grant that helped pay for the renovation project. He also helped secure $30 million in bond funding.

The station is now Amtrak’s third busiest, serving more than 4 million people annually. The legislation would rename the facility the “William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.” Pennsylvania's entire House delegation served as original co-sponsors of the bill.

Gray was "particularly passionate about investing resources in America’s infrastructure, and gave undue time and commitment to making 30th Street Station one of the finest train facilities in this country,” said Fattah in a press release.

Gray served the district from his election in 1978 through 1991, when he resigned to run the United Negro College Fund.