New GR Amtrak station to honor Ehlers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Grand Rapids Amtrak station took place Friday afternoon.

The station will be named in honor of former Congressman Vern Ehlers.

"It's a real honor," Ehlers said. "Of course, the only thing I have had named after me before is my children. So now this is a very auspicious occasion. I really don't think I deserve it, I told them that, I told Peter (Varga) that in no uncertain terms, but it was his judgement and I honor his judgement."

The station will be located south of Rapid Central Station and the Wealthy Street 131 overpass.The location will provide a multi-modal connection for residents and travelers in the Grand Rapids metro region.

Officials hope it will compliment the growth and redevelopment of the already-vibrant Grandville Avenue/SW corridor that is anchored by Rapid Central Station .

This project is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2013 and is currently in the development phase.