Amtrak station renovations to start in March

Additional abatement work and bureaucratic red tape have pushed the cost of the renovations to the Amtrak station $136,000 above the previously-projected $400,000 in county share of the $12 million project, county planners told the County Commissioners Tuesday morning.

Although the $136,000 is above the previous projections, it is covered by the proposed 2009 budget, according to James Cowhey, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Planning Commission.

Showing a rare indication of frustration with the delays in the process, Cowhey said, "I have to be honest. [Amtrak] has been very difficult to work with."

Cowhey said that he does not expect any more cost increases for the project.

Construction bids for the renovations are due by February 13 with a notice to proceed expected in March, said Assistant County Transportation Planner Chris Neumann.