WASHINGTON “  Congressman John W. Olver (1st District) announced today that the House-Senate conference report for the Fiscal Year 2000 Transportation Appropriations bill includes $3.6 million for the Pittsfield Intermodal Transit Center and related parking.  The conference report was passed by the House today and the Senate is expected to pass the legislation next week. Following the Senate vote President Clinton is expected to sign the bill into law.

Congressman Olver is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and included the earmark in the FY Š00 bill.

œI am pleased to be able to deliver an additional $3.6 million to the city of Pittsfield.  I am certain that these resources will enable BRTA and the city to begin full design and construction of the Intermodal Center and to complete the design and planning phase of an adequate parking structure,” Olver said.

œIntermodal Centers are the backbone of an efficient and accessible transportation system. A strong  transportation infrastructure will help businesses grow and spur job creation throughout Berkshire County.  Once complete, this center will be truly a Šmulti-modal° center connecting bus, Amtrak, the Berkshire Scenic Railway, and the taxicab service - which will contribute greatly to the revitalization efforts underway in downtown Pittsfield,” Olver said.

Thus far, Olver has secured a total of $8.2 million for this project. Of the total cost of the Intermodal Center and parking facility only 80% can be federally funded.  A combination of state and local funding will cover the remaining costs.

œI look forward to continuing to work with the Doyle administration and the staff at the BRTA to complete these projects, and the state legislative delegation to secure the match required to access these federal funds,” Olver added.