Gov. Baker pledges funding for Springfield Union Station redevelopment

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito have committed the remaining funds necessary to reach the total goal required to complete the redevelopment of Union Station in Springfield, Mass.

The $12-million commitment is a combined sum from the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) that brings the total amount of federal, state and local funding to $88.5 million, the amount needed to achieve the complete station redevelopment project.

“With access to the east-west and north-south interstate highways and corresponding rail corridors, the city of Springfield is strategically situated at the transportation crossroads of New England,” said Gov. Baker. “The funding we are pledging today will allow for the redevelopment of Union Station to capitalize on those connections and rebuild the station into a regional transit hub that provides more options in a modernized building with space for new economic activity and growth.”

When complete, the revitalized Union Station will have 66,000 square feet of leasable commercial space, a 26-bay open-air bus terminal, a new six-level parking garage, a completely renovated terminal building, a reactivated passenger tunnel and a new ADA-compliant rail boarding platform. The redeveloped Union Station is expected to support approximately 200 permanent jobs.

“Springfield plays a key role in the regional economy and by providing this funding support, we are sending a strong signal that we value this city’s importance to the region and can see its future potential,” said Lt. Gov. Polito. “In addition to serving as a transit hub, Union Station also holds the promise of sparking a revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood.”

The Springfield Redevelopment Authority is the owner and designated developer of Union Station and has been leading efforts to advocate for resources to advance this project since 2010.

Of the $12 million, $9.6 million has been allocated by MassDOT from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality federal funding, the remaining $2.4 million, which represents a required match to leverage the federal funds, has been allocated by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Construction is expected to reach full build out and be complete by the fall of 2016.

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