CATA demolished four buildings to accommodate the new station, which will host a boarding area for different routes offered by Amtrak, Greyhound and Indian Trails.

“We applied for a competitive grant to the federal government to secure the majority of the money. Michigan State University contributed the land,” Alexander said.

MSU leased the land to CATA where the construction is taking place for $1 for 50 years.

East Lansing’s Community and Economic Development Administrator Lori Mullins said the new station will make it easier for travelers and residents to move around.

“I think it will be more attractive for users,” Mullins said. “It’s going to have a better circulation pattern.”

Mullins called the configuration of the previous site “confusing.”

The City of East Lansing was a partner on the grant that CATA submitted to get the funds.

According to a previous article on The State News, CATA received $6.28 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“It will be a welcoming center for those who come to this community to visit,” Alexander said. “It will also be a good first impression of the region.”

According to the CATA Multi Modal Gateway concept plan, the new station will have boarding platforms, with canopies for the train and the different bus services, as well as on-site parking and a public lobby with restrooms and concessions.

Journalism freshman Dimitri Babalis said the construction of the CATA Multi Modal Gateway will make it more convenient for students to travel.

“A lot of college students are always looking to go to different places,” Babalis said. “It is very convenient and it will be more convenient for students to get to places in the future.”

Babalis used the East Lansing Amtrak station for the first time on Sunday. He was going back to his home in Chicago.

Passengers will keep using the current Amtrak station on 1240 S. Harrison Road until the CATA Multi Modal Gateway is built.