CUMBERLAND — Cumberland officials say nearly $300,000 worth of upgrades to the city’s Amtrak station will help strengthen the link between the passenger line and a Pittsburgh-to-Washington bicycle route.
The Cumberland Times-News reported Sunday that the city is getting $173,000 in federal funds for the Amtrak station at East Harrison and Queen City Drive.
The work will build on $100,000 worth of upgrades funded by the state and $34,000 funded by Amtrak.
City officials say Amtrak is considering providing bicycle loading and unloading for riders on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath. The two trails connect at Canal Place, about eight blocks from the Amtrak station.
City officials say the downtown pedestrian mall provides a smooth connection between the station and the trails.