Vice President Joe Biden, no longer fearful of trains, kicked off the renovation of the Wilmington Train Station in Delaware on Monday. The project will cost $32 million and is receiving $20 million from the president’s $787 billion economic stimulus package.
Biden, who, of course, is renowned for taking Amtrak to D.C. from his home in Delaware, remarked that he is pleased the funds are going to this project.
“Today’s ceremony is near and dear to my heart,” the vice president said, according to the White House. “The people who work at the Wilmington train station, the conductors, the ticket collectors -they are a part of my family. And, for our family, this station is home…I am so proud to see Recovery Act funds taking care of critical needs here at the station and putting people to work.”
Biden was joined by Delaware Sens. Tom Carper (D), Ted Kaufman (D), as well as Rep. Mike Castle (R), Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) and Wilmington Mayor Jim Baker.
UPDATE: Eagle-eyed Staff Writer Walter Alarkon points out that the White House reissued its statement on the renovation after referring to Biden as “Vice President Buden” in the initial release. Wouldn’t want the VP to be confused with rapper Joe Budden…