PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION CELEBRATES OPENING OF WONDERLAND INTERMODAL TRANSIT CENTER

BOSTON – Saturday, June 30, 2012 — The Patrick-Murray Administration today celebrated the opening of the new Wonderland Intermodal Transit Center, a $53.5 million project shepherded to completion with federal, state and local support and a shared vision for smart transit-oriented development for Revere’s Waterfront Square.

“I am proud of the strategic investment made to build the new Intermodal Transit Center. With the Transit Center as its hub, the continued redevelopment will benefit the local economy and also answer the growing demand from those who want to live, work, and play in an area served by sustainable transportation,” said Governor Deval Patrick.

“Massachusetts’ regional economies depend on a viable transportation system,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “With federal, state, and local support, the new Wonderland Intermodal Transit Center will improve transportation options for area residents and commuters and also lead to community and economic development opportunities that will benefit the City of Revere and the region in the near future.”

The centerpiece of the project is the new South Parking Garage, which officially opens today, and provides approximately 1500 parking spaces. The new bus way is located under the garage and protects commuters from hot sun and inclement winter weather. Other features include ample storage for bicycles and improved pedestrian access.

“The new garage, the bus way, the improved roadway signals along Route 1A all increase connectivity for drivers, transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists. While these changes are essential and noticeable, it is the future growth to come that will be beneficial for new residents and businesses and a great achievement for the Patrick-Murray Administration,” said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Richard A. Davey.

“Empowering communities and regions to expand economic development potential is a priority in the Patrick-Murray Administration’s long-term economic development plan, and the Wonderland Transit Center will provide new opportunities for Revere and the North Shore,” said Greg Bialecki, the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development. “Through strategic, targeted investments we can partner with communities to continue economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.”

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I commend the City of Revere and the MBTA on the completion of this brand new, state-of-the-art transit center at Wonderland Station. This project will create jobs, attract private investment to Revere, and spur economic growth,” Congressman Edward Markey said. “The parking lots around the MBTA station will be transformed into a transit-oriented, dynamic mixed-use development. When completed, this development will put the wonder back into Wonderland.”

“I believe that the completion of this project serves as a major milestone in the redevelopment of Revere Beach and Wonderland and will serve as an anchor for future development in years to come,” said Senator Anthony Petruccelli.

The transformation at Wonderland Station wrapped up in less than two years. Officials broke ground on the Transit Center in September 2010 with Suffolk Construction hired as the project’s construction manager. The MBTA Blue Line remained fully operational and without interruption to pedestrians throughout construction.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their continued support towards what will be a beautiful new station at Wonderland Park,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “The completion of this parking structure is a major step towards finishing the entire project, which will attract tourism, create jobs, and benefit our city for years to come.”

"The completion of this garage is central to the ongoing development of the Wonderland Station and the Revere Beach area," 2nd Assistant Majority Leader Kathi-Anne Reinstein said. "This project and the developments to follow will greatly enhance this area for the City of Revere and surrounding communities. I applaud Governor Patrick and MassDOT for investing in projects like these that will strengthen our municipalities, help stimulate local economy and benefit residents for generations to come."

“This event marks a turning point in the City of Revere’s decades-long pursuit of a signature development at the heart of our historic beach. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of many people at the federal, state and local levels, we now consolidate nearly 1500 commuter parking spaces within a single modern structure,” said Revere Mayor Daniel Rizzo. “At the same time we are paving the way for a master-planned transit oriented development on acres of surface parking lots no longer needed for commuter use. The striking new Wonderland station entrance announces the special place that this area will soon become. This is a very exciting day for me as Mayor of this proud city.”

Funding for the project came from a myriad of sources; the largest portion, $22.7 million, came through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Other sources include a Commonwealth MORE Grant which contributed $10 million, FTA and Commonwealth Infrastructure Funds of $6.5 million, $3 million from a FTA Section 5309 Grant and the MBTA contributed $11 million to the project.

“The foundation of Governor Patrick’s recovery program is to put people back to work building important projects for the future,” said Director of the Massachusetts Recovery and Reinvestment Office Jeffrey A. Simon. “The Wonderland garage project not only put people in the construction industry back to work, but it created an important link to the entire Revere waterfront development. The construction industry has been battered by the recession, so I am especially glad to have the Recovery program contribute to this revitalization of both the industry and of Revere. It stands out as a leading element of the Massachusetts Recovery program.”

“The intermodal features we are now able to offer our customers at Wonderland Station will draw new riders to our transit system. I am certain other communities will look to this Transit Center as model going forward,” said Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis.

The project will also contribute a number of new parking spaces to negate environmental impacts resulting from construction of the Central Artery Tunnel Project.