USDOT abandons $8.8B DC Union Station expansion plan to seek private funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation is scrapping a previously approved expansion plan for Washington Union Station, reports Bryan Gottlieb in Engineering News-Record.

The plan would have cost $8.8 billion and expanded station capacity and amenities. Instead, the administration says it is pivoting to seeking out private investment for a replacement project.

According to Gottlieb, "FRA's public project page continues to identify the previously approved expansion plan—designated Alternative F in the environmental review—as the selected project. It contains no posted reevaluation, supplemental environmental review or revised Record of Decision reflecting the July 24 announcement."

The previously approved plan would have rebuilt the train hall and concourse and added new tracks and platforms, an integrated bus terminal and underground passenger facilities. Now, the administration is directing $24 million to developing a public-private partnership. "That commercial emphasis is reflected in the cooperative agreement, which identifies retail, office, advertising, event and other revenue opportunities as part of the redevelopment framework. The agreement does not explain how those revenues would support private investment or how responsibilities would be divided between the public and private partners."