TRANSIT: U.S. DOT opens $16 million for Duluth transit center project

The U.S. DOT announced the release of $16 million to the Duluth (Minn.) Transportation Authority on Tuesday for a new multimodal transit hub in downtown Duluth.

Federal funding for the Duluth Multimodal Transportation Center was originally secured in 2010 by then-U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar; the money officially became available this year, with project construction about to begin.

The full cost for the project will be just shy of $30 million. Aside from the federal funds, the project will be covered by another $6 million from the state and $6.9 million from local and private investment funding.

Plans for the transportation center include an indoor bus terminal for local, regional and intercity lines; bike storage area; police substation; and public and contract parking. No estimated completion date was given.