The Springfield City Council will meet Thursday to consider approving $2.2 million in local funds to assist with the cost of renovating and reopening Union Station as an intermodal transportation center, the Springfield Republican reports.

The Union Station project is a two-phase, $78 million rehabilitation of the historic property on Frank B. Murray Street in the North End-downtown district.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno is asking the council to appropriate $2.2 million toward the $48.6 million first phase to restore the terminal building, to serve transportation needs including local and regional bus travel, and intercity and commuter rail travel. The city’s contribution serves to complete funding for the first phase.

The city will get a "first-class" project, serving as a "hub for Western New England," and as a gateway into the North End, Councilor Bud L. Williams said.

The contractor, Daniel O’Connell Sons of Holyoke is scheduled to begin the first phase in the spring. The phase includes restoration of the terminal building and central concourse, removal of the baggage building and construction of a 24-bay bus terminal and a 146-space parking garage, reopening a passenger tunnel, and related work.

Union Station, owned by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, was built in 1926 and has been closed since 1973. Phase 2 will include creating transit-related administrative functions, additional parking space, and development of transit-related commercial space.