Title
Amtrak Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Station Location Study - Project Update
Presenter:
Brian Vitulli, Transit Services Planning Supervisor
Body
Summary:
The Transit Services Division is conducting a study to identify a preferred location for a rail station to accommodate re-introduced passenger rail service to Colorado Springs. Two simultaneous efforts identify Colorado Springs as a destination for future rail service. The first effort is the potential extension of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief intercity rail service from La Junta to Pueblo and Colorado Springs. The second process involves continued work to advance the development of Front Range Passenger Rail that serves communities along the Front Range from Fort Collins to Pueblo.
Background:
The Transit Services Division is conducting a rail station location study to identify a suitable rail station site that can accommodate future Amtrak Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail service. This planning-level study will primarily satisfy the station requirements, standards, and specifications to achieve Amtrak Southwest Chief rail service implementation in Colorado Springs, but not preclude future Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) service.
Recent efforts at the State level through the Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission to extend Amtrak rail service (known as thru-car service) from La Junta to Pueblo and Colorado Springs as well as establish rail service along the Front Range, recommend that a rail station location study be conducted to identify suitable and feasible locations for a rail station within the existing mainline freight railroad right-of-way adjacent to the I-25 corridor in Colorado Springs.
The completion of this station location study in a timely manner will ensure that a rail station in Colorado Springs is identified and included in continued rail planning efforts to re-introduce passenger rail service to Colorado Springs and our region.
The study evaluation process is considering mobility, connectivity, supporting City and regional plans, technical analysis, stakeholder input, land ownership and zoning, and opportunities and constraints that could affect implementation.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
The design and construction of a new rail station are not anticipated to be the responsibility of the City of Colorado Springs. This station location study was paid for with federal funding, with the local match provided by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA).
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The Amtrak Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Station Location Study is employing a two-tiered Guidance Committee as part of its stakeholder outreach strategy. The public stakeholder group is composed of City staff and regional partners, CDOT Division of Transit and Rail staff, and SW Chief & FRPR Commission/District staff and members. The advocacy stakeholder group has participation from local and regional organizations, the PPRTA Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) and the Citizens Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB).
The stakeholder process for this study is using public engagement techniques that are focused and responsive. Highlights include: information sharing and engaging with community and interest groups, three Guidance Committee sessions to relay study progress and solicit feedback, and two hybrid public events aimed at key milestones during the study.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A