$1.51 million will fund park-and-ride, rehab of station REA building

The city of Albany will receive $1.51 million in federal funds this year to rehabilitate the REA building by the train station and to construct a park-and-ride in North Albany.

This is the first of two federal grants expected to be made available for the projects, said Guy Mayes, an engineer with the city. The second is anticipated next year.

Assuming Congress appropriates all of the money earmarked, the city will receive $1.28 million for the REA building, and $800,000 for the park-and-ride. Construction on both projects will not start until all of the money has been received, he said.

"We're looking at beginning the projects in fiscal year 2009-10," Mayes said.

The Railway Express Agency building, which preceded Southern Pacific's use of the structure, was built in 1908, the same year as the train station. The building was used to hold baggage.

The structure will be renovated into offices for operators and drivers of the city's buses and the Call-A-Ride program.

The total cost of the work is $1.6 million and includes creating a parking lot and upgrading the flag and plaza area between the REA building and the train station, Mayes said.

The remaining money needed for the project will come from city sources: $207,000 from the building maintenance fund and $50,000 from the city's sewer fund.

David Evans & Associates is just now starting design work. The historical consultant on the restoration is Robert Dortignacq of Portland. He assisted with the renovation of the train station.

The park-and-ride in North Albany will be at North Albany Road and Hickory Street, on a wooded triangle piece of property. The present park and ride is at Tom's Garden Center.

The new site will include a paved parking area, lights, security cameras and a shelter where people can wait for the buses.

"We'll be able to accommodate more than 40 vehicles," he said.

The city paid $50,000 for the site, and another $150,000 for the work will be taken from the transportation budget.