An Arizona Department of Transportation grant has been awarded for fa ade improvement to the hotel, however, private investment and other sources of income are also needed. Continuing, Blakeley stated that the City has been involved in ongoing discussions with Union Pacific and AmTrak about the current train station situation. Union Pacific appears to be listening. The redevelopment that is taking place in other areas in the downtown has played a role in getting their attention. Short-term, interim improvements and long term improvements have been discussed.
Interim improvements center on improving the existing tunnel.
Local school children are participating in a poster contest with a railroad theme. The resulting posters will become part of a mural in the tunnel as well as a calendar program that will be distributed nationally. In addition, a small landing station is planned which will provide an air conditioned waiting area with soft drinks available. Train representatives expressed concern about the existing ramada that is located near the tracks. Using a design concept plan, Blakeley showed how the park will facilitate movement to and from the trains, the parking lot, the multi-modal center and other downtown sites.