Community leaders, Amtrak officials, and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks gathered in Mount Pleasant this week to celebrate the completion of accessibility upgrades at the city’s Amtrak station.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mount Pleasant Mayor Steve Brimhall shared the impact rail service has on our area.
The project is part of Amtrak’s nationwide ADA Stations Program, aimed at improving accessibility and safety for passengers traveling between trains and station platforms.
The ceremony also included an unexpected real-time demonstration of the station’s new accessibility features. During remarks, the California Zephyr briefly reversed back into the station after a handful passengers accidentally missed their stop in Mount Pleasant.
One of the returning passengers, a local resident arriving home from her trip, utilized the station’s new ADA-accessible platform while using a wheelchair walker combination. The moment drew smiles and laughter from the crowd, with one attendee remarking that “it’s not every day you’re welcomed home by the mayor and a congresswoman.”
Similar projects are underway or completed in Ottumwa, Osceola, Creston, and Fort Madison.
Congresswoman Miller-Meeks praised the importance of passenger rail service in rural communities and highlighted the value of making stations more accessible for travelers with disabilities.
The event also highlighted the use of Iowa contractors and subcontractors throughout the construction project, helping keep investment and jobs within the state.
Congresswoman Miller-Meeks stopped out to KILJ after the event for an exclusive interview updating KILJ listeners on what’s happening in D.C., and what concerns constituents are expressing during the tour across her district in Iowa. The interview will be aired in its entirety in the 8 o’clock hour on all of our stations, and found with this article on KILJ.com.