LOWER MERION—Lower Merion commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the township to submit an application for a $3 million grant to the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Grant Program for the Ardmore Multi-Modal Transit Center Project.
“Downtown Ardmore is a vibrant commercial corridor and economic anchor within Montgomery County and the Greater Philadelphia region. Lower Merion Township, in partnership with Amtrak, seeks to reimagine two surface parking lots adjacent to the Ardmore Train Station as a modern multi-modal parking facility. If funded, this project would amplify the growing energy in Ardmore, enhance accessibility for commuters and visitors, and bring more foot traffic to local shops, restaurants, and services,” according to an issues briefing from the township staff to the commissioners.
Brandon Ford, assistant manager for Lower Merion Township, outlined the details of the grant application.
According to Ford, the township entered into an agreement with Amtrak to jointly solicit proposals for the township’s and Amtrak’s properties. They hope to secure state funding to help offset costs and further encourage private development of the project.
“As you know, we have entered into an agreement with Amtrak to jointly solicit proposals for our properties as well as theirs for the construction of the garage. And we are hoping to secure state funding, this time multimodal funds in the amount of $3 million, to help offset the cost and further encourage private development of the project,” Ford said.
The staff’s memo to the commissioners further explained the township’s objectives.
According to township officials, in October 2025 Lower Merion executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Amtrak to market and pursue the development of properties at Ardmore Station.
“The MOU outlined the collaborative process currently underway to market and redevelop several contiguous parcels owned by Amtrak and the Township, with the goal of delivering significant public benefits. Central to that undertaking is the desire to construct new public parking spaces as part of a structured, multi-modal parking facility that would serve commuters, local businesses, Township facilities, and future commercial tenants,” according to the memo.
The township’s application is requesting $3 million in state funds, the maximum amount available.
“State support through this funding would significantly strengthen the partnership between Amtrak and Lower Merion Township, helping to attract private investment and accelerate implementation of this transformative project. A state commitment of this nature would also signal unified support across local, state, and federal partners, demonstrating that all levels of government recognize the project’s importance to Ardmore’s economic vitality and regional mobility,” according to township officials.
The township is expected to cover 30 percent of the match, which is to be funded by private investment.
“Amtrak did a solicitation of proposals. So there are active conversations with a variety of private developers who may be interested in developing this multimodal project, and they would be contributing the private capital, and any grant funds that we were to receive would be added to the project to further offset costs and attract even more interest into the project,” Ford said about the 30 percent match.