5 New Updates to the Troy Transit Center

Despite slowdowns in the status of reimbursements and issues surrounding the Troy Transit Center property, the construction project continues moving quickly. Here are five updates following last month's status report.

1. Funding and lawsuit status

The Federal Railroad Administration last week notified Troy it would resume reimbursements to the city for construction on the Transit Center, which had been halted for several months, after receiving a plan for resolving the property issue and funding.

FRA temporarily suspended reimbursement as a precautionary measure just after the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in May that the property belonged to Grand/Sakwa Properties LLC, not the city, according to officials.

The City has filed its application for leave to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court. It is unknown when the Michigan Supreme Court will issue its decision.

2. Construction

Construction is about 75 percent complete, city officials said, on schedule for a September grand opening as well and within budget. The building, tower and bridge exteriors are complete including glass and doors. The platform is complete except for installation of the shelter and signage. Doyle Drive is complete and scheduled to open on Monday.

Sidewalks and concrete flatwork in the plaza are scheduled for completion in approximately two weeks. Work is progressing on interior finishes, mechanical, electrical, elevators, light fixtures and final trim. The start of landscape work is approximately two weeks out. Final finish work and project close out is scheduled for September.

3. Funding 

Congressman Gary Peters wrote a letter to MDOT Director Kirk Steudle supporting the repurposing of $1.3 million in appropriations administered by the Federal Transit Administration for land acquisition at the Transit Center. City officials say that the letter "will provide the foundation to successfully resolve the property issue and complete the project."

4. Operation and maintenance

Negotiations regarding the costs of operation and maintenance are ongoing between the city and AMTRAK. City officials say that with the implementation of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA) in Michigan for 2014, that the state Department of Transportation will become responsible for all of it.

5. Business opportunities

With a new Troy Chamber of Commerce President on board, the business community can connect the Transit Center. However, in regards to naming rights and sponsorships, requests for proposals are not likely to be considered until the lawsuit is resolved.