Uptown Station: Planning and Funding Strategies for a

Multimodal Transportation CenterChristopher Koos, Mayor, Town of Normal

Wayne Aldrich, P.E. , Public Works Director, Town of Normal

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER

This presentation will cover the planning and funding strategies of a multimodal center in a mid-sized, urban area.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Normal-Bloomington, ILPopulation of Over 125,000

Two Universities• Illinois State University

• Illinois Wesleyan University

Major Employers

transportation hub

RAIL TRANSPORTATIONAmtrak • 5 round trips per day (Up to 9 with HSR)• 2nd busiest station in Illinois - 250,000• 2012 - 2013 Station Ridership up 10%• 2006 - 2011 Illinois Ridership up 85% Overall• 2006 - 2011 CHI to STL Ridership up 210% on IDOT Supported Trains

Union Pacific Railroad• 5 to 20 trains per day

High Speed Rail

UPTOWN NORMAL RENEWAL

THE PLAN 1999-2001

Illinois State University Campus

Quarter Mile Walking Radius

• Children's Discovery Museum

• Hotel and Conference Center

• Infrastructure Improvements

• Private Development• Multi-modal Transportation

Center

UPTOWN NORMAL RENEWAL

NEW DEVELOPMENT

Children's Discovery MuseumLEED Silver

Heartland BankLEED Silver

Uptown CrossingLEED Certified

Marriott Hotel and Conference Center|

Facade Improvements

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER

Objective:To serve as a hub for numerous modes of transportation within walking distance of the central business district.

• High Speed Rail • Intercity Bus • Local Mass Transit • Shuttles • Taxis • Bicyclists • Pedestrians

MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

2001-2009

• Local Leadership/Vision• Commitment to Sustainability

• Feasibility Study

• Gained Political Support• DC Consultant• One Voice Task Force

• Public Information

2001-2009

• Received Federal 5309 Bus Funds ($10.5 M)• 2003 – 2010 Annual Appropriations

(Earmarks)

• SAFETEA – LU (2006 Transportation Bill)• 5.1 Million

• Included funding for Adjacent Roadways ($4.8 M)

2001-2009

• Coordination

• FTA/FHWA (NEPA)• Local Transit (Connect Transit)• IDOT – Bureau of Railroads/Highways• AMTRAK• UNION PACIFIC• Illinois Commerce Commission• MPO – McLean County Regional Planning

2001-2009

• Developed Designs (2002 -2006)

• Federal Contract Provisions

• Federal Procurement

• “Shelved” plans in 2006

INITIAL RENDERING

THE TURNING POINT...2009

• Normal Multi-modal Center is “shovel ready”

• Early 2009: No Funding Immediately Available Under ARRA

• Project is Redesigned for City Hall Offices

• September 2009: USDOT Advertises TIGER Discretionary Grants

FINAL DESIGN RENDERING

THE CONSTRUCTION...2010-2012

• February 2010: $22 M TIGER Grant Received

• August 2010: Construction Begins--1st TIGER Discretionary Project Under Construction

• July 2012: "Uptown Station" Opened

THE GROUNDBREAKING

THE DEDICATION

THE TAKEAWAYS• Leadership/Vision• Gain Political Support• Build Relationships• “Stick to Your Guns”• Retain Experts• Follow Federal Requirements• Promote Economic Development• Make a "People" Place• Share the Space• Use Transportation as Community

Building

Incorporate Sustainable Design

WHAT’S NEXT?

Questions?