» New Niagara Falls, NY Station Development

The City of Niagara Falls, NY is re-energizing efforts to develop a new Amtrak station adjacent to the Whirlpool Bridge. The project, which includes the rehabilitation of the historic 1863 Customs House, would house an office of U.S. Homeland Security’s border inspection agency, in addition to the Amtrak station and potential future commercial/retail space.

A new 14,800 square foot building would be Amtrak’s station and a new dedicated passenger track would serve a single 500 foot long high level platform.

The city views the overall $30-35 million redevelopment project as an important catalyst for the economic revitalization of the city’s North Main Street Business district, which is adjacent. Currently, over 40% of the required funding is in place and efforts are ongoing to secure the remaining balance. If such funding is found in the immediate future, project completion could be as early as 2010.

What is yet to be determined is the potential cost and operational effect on Amtrak. With Amtrak being a tenant in the new building, lease expenses would result and Amtrak has stated that the current layover and maintenance facility at the Lockport Road station would have to continue in operation. In addition, trains originating or terminating at Niagara Falls would have to be moved to and from the new station to Lockport Road.

While ESPA firmly endorses the need for a new Niagara Falls station, we feel the proposed single boarding platform is a concern, as two trains would be unable to be accommodated in the station at the same time. Also, any future expansion of service could be hampered by this lack of platform capacity.

Bruce Becker