Oakland Maintenance Facility
Ground Breaking Ceremony
November 14, 2002 - 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.
http://www.trainweb.com/news/2002/2002k14a.html

Click here to view the photo highlights from this event.

Agenda

Welcome


Gil Mallery - Master of Ceremonies
Amtrak VP Planning & Business Development

Guest Speakers


David L. Gunn, Amtrak President and CEO


Tony Harris, Caltrans, Chief Deputy Director


Nancy Nadel, City of Oakland Council Member


Thomas Blalock, CCJPA Board


Tom Margro, BART (invited)


Steve Smith, Keiwit Construction

Finale
Locomotive horn will signal commencement of groundbreaking activity

AMTRAK BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART
MAINTENANCE FACILITY IN OAKLAND
Investment By Amtrak And The State Of California

Oakland, CA -- Amtrak and the State of California broke ground on Thursday, November 14, 2002, for a new, jointly funded $65-million state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Oakland, California. The new maintenance facility, replacing the current 1916-era facility will provide superior working conditions and enable employees to better maintain, repair, service and inspect trains, improving efficiency and allowing for the continued growth of passenger rail service in California.

"This new maintenance facility will bring more efficient service to passenger rail travelers and improve conditions for our employees," said David L. Gunn, Amtrak's President and CEO. "Investments like this symbolize Amtrak's commitment to the future of passenger rail both in the state of California and throughout the nation."

This investment represents another example of Amtrak's successful partnership with the state of California to improve passenger rail services. As part of the joint capital investment, Amtrak has committed $27 million toward construction of the facility, while the state of California will invest $38 million.

"California is one of Amtrak's strongest partners and has a deep business interest in ensuring that the maintenance of the state-owned equipment is first-rate," said Warren Weber, Manager of the California DOT Rail Program. "The state invested funds in the new Amtrak Oakland maintenance facility to protect the states' investment in train equipment and build upon the success of passenger rail service in California."

The new 22-acre facility will occupy former railroad property and include a main shop and a service and inspection area. It will be equipped for service, maintenance, inspection and repair and train washing. The new facility will allow improved conditions for existing and new functions.

Such as:

• Preventive maintenance for 17 locomotives, previously performed in Los Angeles
• Preventive maintenance for 78 California Cars
• Daily turn around servicing for the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins, and California Zephyr

It will be located 1,500 feet from Amtrak's existing maintenance facility in West Oakland.

The new Oakland Maintenance Facility will have a positive economic impact on the surrounding area by adding approximately 200 jobs to Oakland's job base. In addition, the facility will have the capacity to meet future demand as both the state-supported San Joaquin and Capitol Corridor services continue to grow.

Amtrak guests enjoy passenger rail service in more than 500 communities in 46 states across a 22,000-mile route system. For schedules, fares and reservations, visit Amtrak's Web site at www.amtrak.com

The ground breaking ceremony was held at Third and Union Streets in West Oakland at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2002.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:
Groundbreaking of Amtrak's $65 million state-of-the-art Maintenance Facility

WHEN:
Thursday, November 14, 2002 at 9:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Third Street at Union in West Oakland

WHO:
Amtrak, Caltrans, City of Oakland, West Oakland Community Leaders

The new maintenance facility will provide superior working conditions and enable employees to better maintain, repair, service and inspect trains, improving efficiency and allowing for the continued growth of passenger rail service in California.

Click here to view the photo highlights from this event.

Click to view each set of detailed photos below:
Set #01 / Set #02 / Set #03 / Set #04 / Set #05 / Set #06 / Set #07 / Set #08
Set #09 / Set #10 / Set #11 / Set #12