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ACCA Enters into Planning Agreements with CDTA for New Transportation Hub and Parking Garage

September 24, 2010

Media Contact:
Duncan Stewart, Executive Director
Albany Convention Center Authority
Office: 518.275.4920 | Fax: 518.275.4921
Email: dstewart@accany.com
www.accany.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2010

ALBANY, N.Y. – The Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) unanimously voted to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) at its September board meeting. The MOU is a mapping document by which together the ACCA and CDTA will advance with the planning efforts for a new intermodal transportation facility to replace the current bus station.

“Governor Paterson gave us a directive to find ways to partner with and support through mutual commitment the activities of other agencies,” said Gavin Donohue, chairman, Albany Convention Center Authority. “The ACCA recognized an opportunity to coordinate with CDTA to augment the public transportation options available to the citizens of the Capital Region as well as those visitors to the convention center.”

The transportation hub, which will incorporate all other ground transportation in one convenient location, including CDTA, interstate/intercity carriers, shuttles, and rental cars, will be located on Broadway with easy on and off access to the highway and therefore will help ease traffic congestion. Additionally, a 1,200 space, secure parking garage, will play a key role in addressing downtown parking including mixed use development along Broadway.

“CDTA is looking to improve the transit experience, and to provide customers with better access to transportation services,” said Denise A. Figueroa, Chairperson of CDTA. “An intermodal center on Broadway will do just that and we are confident that our partnership with ACCA will be an important first step in the development of a world-class facility in downtown Albany.

The joint planning approach will be comprehensive and coordinated by both the ACCA and CDTA in connection with the development of the convention center as the goal is to provide a cost effective and efficient intermodal/parking facility as needed in downtown Albany.

ABOUT THE ACCA:
The Albany Convention Center Authority was organized in 2006 as a public benefit corporation under the New York State Public Authorities Act. The authority was created to meet an immediate need to institute a comprehensive, coordinated program of convention activities in the City of Albany. The ACCA and its nine member executive board are to provide the City of Albany with the ability to develop, renovate and undertake economic development projects in the historic downtown area to optimize the economic and social activities of the city and its environs.