Duffy announces agreement for fed takeover of DC Union Station; questions Key Bridge costs

The boards of Amtrak and Union Station Redevelopment Corp. unanimously agreed to approve the terms of a renegotiated cooperative agreement that restores "strong federal control" of Washington Union Station, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Sept. 19.

The new agreement among USRC, Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration will speed up the station's restoration, improve security and attract new economic development, Duffy said in a press release.

In August, Duffy announced the U.S. Department of Transportation would take over management of Washington Union Station from Amtrak. Although the USDOT has owned the station, Amtrak has operated it under a lease arrangement.

According to USDOT, the new agreement will enable the station's management to address state-of-good repair projects; increase revenue through retail, office and event space; improve security; enhance multimodal transportation uses; set the stage for private investment; and create a family friendly environment.

"In partnership with DOT and USRC, we’re committed to delivering a safer, cleaner and more seamless travel experience for every passenger," said Amtrak President Roger Harris in the USDOT press release. "We’ve already made significant strides—welcoming over a dozen new retailers, bolstering Amtrak Police presence, rolling out station refresh and deep-clean initiatives, and streamlining operations—and this new agreement accelerates that momentum."

Meanwhile, in a Sept. 18 letter to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Duffy questioned the $1.8 billion estimated cost to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Duffy also warned the governor against awarding project-related contracts based on race- or sex-conscious factors. The reconstruction project is funded under the federal Emergency Relief Program. 

In a prepared statement issued in response to Duffy's letter, Moore said the state will continue to work with the Trump administration to find ways to reduce costs and rebuild faster. He also noted that reconstructing the bridge is important not only to Maryland but also to the U.S. economy.

The Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River at the Port of Baltimore in March 2024 after being struck by a massive cargo ship. CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway serve the port.