Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that his department will take control of Union Station in Washington, D.C., from the nonprofit currently managing it. The decision marks a shift in oversight of the historic train hub, which has been under nonprofit management for years.
The announcement comes amid discussions about the future of transportation infrastructure in the United States. Duffy emphasized the importance of federal oversight in ensuring the efficient operation of key transportation hubs. The move is expected to bring a more centralized approach to managing Union Station, which serves as a major transportation hub for the nation’s capital.
Union Station has been under nonprofit management since 1971, with the National Capital Parks and Recreation Authority overseeing its operations. The decision to transfer control to the Department of Transportation signals a significant change in the management of the site. The administration has not yet announced the details of how the transition will be managed or when it is expected to take effect.
The announcement has raised questions about the implications for the management of other transportation infrastructure projects. Critics argue that the nonprofit model has been effective in maintaining the station’s operations, while supporters of the federal takeover believe it will allow for greater oversight and accountability.