WEST CHESTER (April 21, 2021) – Plans to build a parking and transportation facility adjacent to the new Coatesville train station received another boost in state funding today, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Dan Williams announced.
The Redevelopment Authority (RDA) of the City of Coatesville was awarded $650,000 in state funding to support the project, which calls for constructing a multimodal commuter parking facility on Fleetwood Street to serve rail riders others at the new train station.
“Investments in Coatesville’s transportation infrastructure will pay dividends in the economic success of the city and economic opportunities for its residents,” Comitta said. “Pairing the new train station with this parking and transportation facility will make Coatesville a true multi-modal transit hub. With more commuters, more rail riders, and more visitors come more customers, more jobs, and more investment dollars.”
“This grant will provide much needed funding for a safe, well-lit parking garage that is a key component of the new Amtrak/Septa station project here in Coatesville,” Williams said. “This new station will provide the Coatesville area with the transportation needs it has long deserved, and I’m honored to do whatever I can to help move this project forward so that Coatesville truly rises.”
The multi-level 175,000 square foot parking facility is key to the success of the train station, which currently offers Amtrak service but is expected to provide SEPTA Regional Rail service in the future.
The facility will also feature bus transportation integration, covered waiting shelters, bike racks, ample lighting, wayfinding signage, and nearly 500 parking spaces to support SEPTA, Amtrak, and Link and Kraft Bus transportation services
The Coatesville RDA is now working with the City to construct the facility to support the train station, widely considered a lynchpin of the city’s ongoing revitalization plans and strategic economic development vision.
The funding, approved today by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, comes through Act 89 of 2013, Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Transportation Funding Plan, which increased transit funding and established dedicated multimodal funding for aviation, passenger rail, rail freight, port, and bicycle-pedestrian projects.
Earlier this year, Comitta and Williams announced a $1 million Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to support the parking facility, which comes with a total estimated price tag of more than $10 million. In addition, the Chester County Revitalization Program has committed $1 million and significant funds are also pending from the Coatesville RDA.