North Charleston Intermodal Facility awarded $6 million in grant funding

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will receive $6,020,126 in grant funding for the North Charleston Intermodal Facility through a new transit initiative called the State of Good Repair Program.  The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday, Oct. 4.

Following Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-South Carolina) announcement, Mayors Summey and Riley, alongside Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor, CARTA Intermodal Center Committee Chairman Kurt Taylor, Councilman Sam Hart and Judge Vic Rawl joined together in a local announcement at the Intermodal Center site.

See images from the press conference here.

Mayor Summey said, “I extend a special thanks to Senator Graham, with support from other members of the Congressional Delegation, for having at heart the well-being of the Lowcountry.  Senator Graham’s diligent work on behalf of the people of South Carolina will impart a new front door onto the Lowcountry and will greatly enhance the traveling experience for our many tourists that visit the Greater Charleston Area.  In a down economy, this is certainly great news that will construct a key piece of our tourism infrastructure and will create job opportunities for our residents.”

As a part of the State of Good Repair program, these funds will help construct the new Intermodal Facility that will serve as a transportation hub for AMTRAK passenger trains, commuter trains, Greyhound buses, CARTA buses, area taxis and shuttles used by the Charleston International Airport and the North Charleston CARTA Express park-and-ride lot.

“The Lowcountry is an international tourist destination, and we deserve a fitting Intermodal Center to welcome those visitors,” said Mayor Riley. “This exciting announcement, following the hard work of many area leaders, is a big step in the right direction.”

CARTA has completed Phase I construction to develop the Intermodal Center site infrastructure, which included demolition of current buildings onsite, clearing and grubbing, excavation work, a storm water pond, and a park and ride lot.

An additional $2 million is needed to move forward with construction. The State of Good Repair Funds will allow preliminary engineering work on the proposed Intermodal Center design to be completed, which is anticipated by the end of 2010. North Charleston, the CARTA Board and staff, along with other area leaders including Amtrak, commuter rail and Greyhound will continue to be involved.

Designed Intermodal Facility

Charleston Union Station, built 1907

In total, the Intermodal Center site encompasses more than 36 acres in North Charleston off of Montague Avenue on the corner of Seiberling Road, which was purchased by CARTA with federal, state and local funds.

The State of Good Repair (SGR) initiative provides funds to public transit providers to finance capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct/rehabilitate bus-related facilities in an effort to bring the nation’s transit infrastructure into the 21st Century.

Existing and new riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Express routes by calling (843) 724-7420, by visiting the CARTA website (www.RideCarta.com), or the CARTA Express micro site at www.WhyDrive.net, or by visiting the CARTA Office at 36 John St. in downtown Charleston. Maps and schedules are also available on all CARTA buses.