Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Which Trees Make a Forest Work? Smithsonian Scientists Are Planting Over 33,000 To Find Out
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- The Smithsonian Institution Environmental Research Center issued the following news release:
* * *
Which Trees Make a Forest Work? Smithsonian Scientists Are Planting Over 33,000 To Find Out
Functional Forests Project Will Root Out Clues to "Smart Reforestation" by Planting Trees in Five-Species Combos
*
To grow a successful forest, planting trees is not enough. A new forest needs the right trees to withstand future threats and meet the needs of both wildlife and people. This spring, scientists and volunteers are planting a new type of forest at the Smithsonian Environmental
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 15 -- The Smithsonian Institution Environmental Research Center issued the following news release:
* * *
Which Trees Make a Forest Work? Smithsonian Scientists Are Planting Over 33,000 To Find Out
Functional Forests Project Will Root Out Clues to "Smart Reforestation" by Planting Trees in Five-Species Combos
*
To grow a successful forest, planting trees is not enough. A new forest needs the right trees to withstand future threats and meet the needs of both wildlife and people. This spring, scientists and volunteers are planting a new type of forest at the Smithsonian EnvironmentalResearch Center (SERC). The Functional Forests project will test different combinations of tree species to uncover which ones set up a forest for success.
Worldwide, forest restorations are one of the most popular ways to combat environmental degradation and mitigate climate change. They are also invaluable resources for food, timber and habitat for wildlife.
"Forests are the lungs and bones of our planet," said SERC Director Monty Graham. "But there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all forest. We need big data to find out which types of forests have the best shot at success, and where. That's why large and long-term experiments like this are so critical."
The vast majority of forest restorations contain just one tree species--leaving them vulnerable to pests like the emerald ash borer or the fungal disease anthracnose, which has killed or disfigured millions of dogwood trees since the 1980s. Tree plantations, harvested for timber, are also dominated by long stretches of a single species.
"It's all about risk management," said John Parker, SERC senior scientist co-leading the forest restoration. "Plant the wrong species and you could lose it all. But if you plant a mixture of species, it lessens that risk in the same way that a mutual fund is less risky than a single stock. This is why high biodiversity is sometimes called a 'portfolio effect.'"
Parker is one of two SERC scientists leading the 33,500-tree forest experiment. The other project lead is Justin Nowakowski, a senior scientist who specializes in conservation science. Their team is investigating how to design forests that can simultaneously provide different functions, including food, wildlife habitat, timber, resistance to deer browsing and climate resilience.
"Looking beyond the number of species planted, we need to understand how different mixtures of species and traits perform together," Nowakowski said. "Tree planting organizations want to know what palettes of species are going to survive well in future climate conditions while maximizing the multiple benefits trees can provide."
The forest will take root on SERC's campus in Edgewater, Maryland, on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay. The entire project will contain 20 species, ranging from towering oaks and sycamores to low-lying shrubs like beautyberry. But rather than mixing them all together, the scientists are planting a mosaic of "mini-forests." The experiment will contain 194 plots, each containing either one tree species or a combination of five species, plus six plots left to grow naturally for comparison. Each five-species blend was chosen to test the plot's ability to produce food, grow timber, attract wildlife, resist deer browsing or withstand climate change.
The team will also test different densities, with some trees spaced 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) apart and others spaced 1 meter (about 3 feet) apart, to see if the tighter spaces can suppress weeds and invasive species. Some of the plots will have deer fences, so the team can test which trees are least likely to get eaten by a hungry herbivore.
"We've seen how hungry deer can set a young forest back years," said Jamie Pullen, head technician in Parker's lab. "The trees they prefer, maples for example, get browsed so often that some are still stuck at knee height more than a decade later. That kind of pressure doesn't just slow a planting, it changes what the forest will look like decades from now. With this project's exclosures, we will finally be able to measure how much early protection can shift the long term course of a restoration."
Functional Forests is not the first massive forest experiment on SERC's campus. In 2013, Parker's lab planted BiodiversiTREE, a nearly 18,000-tree forest experiment he manages with Pullen that is still going on today. It has a similar design: multiple mini-forests with one, four or 12 species.
BiodiversiTREE was created to answer a different question: Does diversity in a forest matter at all? A decade later, the experiment offered a resounding yes. The more diverse forest plots grew larger, stored more carbon and were less likely to boom or bust--an issue that plagued many single-species plots. They also sheltered more wildlife, especially birds, insects and spiders.
"These diverse plots often have a more complex structure, providing more habitat and resources for different species to use," said Shelley Bennett, a technician in Nowakowski's lab who has also worked in BiodiversiTREE. "In addition, the layering of tree canopies creates shaded, cool understories that forest animals rely on."
Functional Forests takes the question one step further. It asks which specific trees help a forest meet different needs.
"BiodiversiTREE taught us that biodiversity strengthens forests," Parker said. "Functional Forests is about using that knowledge to build the forests we need for the future."
Researchers and volunteers will plant trees throughout April. To learn more about the project, interview the team or visit the site, contact Kristen Goodhue at GoodhueK@si.edu.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/which-trees-make-forest-work-smithsonian-scientists-are-planting-over-33000-find
Smithsonian Research Associate Discovers Ants Assemble To Be Picked Clean by 'Cleaner' Ants, a Novel Insect Behavior
WASHINGTON, April 14 (TNSjou) -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
* * *
Smithsonian Research Associate Discovers Ants Assemble To Be Picked Clean by 'Cleaner' Ants, a Novel Insect Behavior
The Interaction, Which Resembles How Cleaner Fish Pick at Other Species of Marine Fish, Was Observed in the Arizona Desert
*
In the deserts of southeastern Arizona, harvester ants congregate with serrated jaws agape outside the nests of much smaller cone ants. However, the nests' inhabitants are not threatened. Instead, they crawl all over the harvester ants and lick and nibble
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 (TNSjou) -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
* * *
Smithsonian Research Associate Discovers Ants Assemble To Be Picked Clean by 'Cleaner' Ants, a Novel Insect Behavior
The Interaction, Which Resembles How Cleaner Fish Pick at Other Species of Marine Fish, Was Observed in the Arizona Desert
*
In the deserts of southeastern Arizona, harvester ants congregate with serrated jaws agape outside the nests of much smaller cone ants. However, the nests' inhabitants are not threatened. Instead, they crawl all over the harvester ants and lick and nibbletheir body surfaces--the first known example of an ant that cleans a much larger ant species.
The unusual behavior, described for the first time this week in the journal Ecology and Evolution (https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73308), was observed by entomologist Mark Moffett, a research associate at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. He compares the new species of ant to small marine species of fish that remove dead skin and parasites from larger fish, at times even predators like sharks.
"This new ant species is the insect equivalent of cleaner fish in the ocean," Moffett said. "The potentially dangerous harvester ants even permit the visitors to groom between their open jaws."
Moffett, who specializes in studying the social biology of ants and other animals, observed the behavior during a visit to a research station in Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains. While enjoying his coffee early one morning, Moffett watched worker harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) spread out from their nests to collect seeds. He noticed a few of the red-colored insects appeared frozen in place, an odd behavior for the constantly roving workers. Using his camera, he zoomed in further and discovered that the halted harvesters had tiny cone ants on them.
"Given the usual tendencies of ants, I first assumed that I was observing aggression," Moffett said. "But the larger ants seemed to seek the attention of the smaller ants by first visiting their nests and then allowing the small ants to lick and nibble all over them."
Over the course of several days, Moffett watched at least 90 harvester ants being tended to by the smaller cone ants, which represent an undescribed species in the genus Dorymyrmex. He photographed many of these interactions, documenting the strange behavior step-by-step.
First, the harvester would approach a cone ant nest and stiffly stand high on her legs with her mandibles open (all worker ants are female). Usually within a minute, a cone ant would emerge, climb onto the harvester ant and begin inspecting the larger insect. Over the course of the interactions, some of which lasted less than 15 seconds while others surpassed five minutes, as many as five cone ants would crawl aboard and use their tongue-like mouthparts to lick all over the harvester ant, including between her serrated jaws. For her part, the harvester ant tolerated the attention without biting. When she was ready to move along, the harvester ant bucked the smaller ants off so forcefully that she often ended up on her back before scurrying away.
A Novel Behavior
Moffett had never seen or heard of a behavior like this in any other ant or insect. The closest analog occurs in the ocean when large marine fish seek out distinct "cleaning stations" where smaller "cleaner" fish and shrimp eat dead skin particles and parasites. Like the cone ants, some of these cleaner fish even feed inside their jaws.
Moffett has yet to establish what each species of ant gets out of the interaction. He posits that the cleaner ants are likely consuming calorie-rich dust-size morsels they "squeegee" off of the harvester, potentially the flakes coming off the seeds that the larger ants eat. Still, the cone ants were only interested in licking living harvester ants and did not clean frozen specimens Moffett placed outside of their nests.
The interaction may also benefit harvester ants. While harvester ants are known to groom each other to remove parasites, spores and debris, Moffett speculates that the much smaller cone ants may be able to clean areas of the worker ants' body that their larger nestmates cannot reach. To determine the benefits, Moffett suggests that future investigations focus on whether the cone ants' cleaning reduces infections in harvester ants or whether the behavior improves the microbiome of either species.
Moffett thinks the new work highlights just how important it is for researchers to keep their eyes open--and cameras ready--when observing animals in the field.
"All kinds of amazing discoveries are still there to be made outside of the lab," Moffett said. "Finding new species and behaviors in nature often requires us to pay close attention to the small things--including the ants."
* * *
About the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is connecting people everywhere with Earth's unfolding story. It is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Opened in 1910, the museum is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. The museum is open daily, except Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum on its website, blog, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-research-associate-discovers-ants-assemble-be-picked-clean-cleaner
Servicio de traduccion al espanol disponible para asistentes en linea en Reunion del Sitio Superfund Lower Neponset River Programada para el 21 de abril de 2026
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
Servicio de traduccion al espanol disponible para asistentes en linea en Reunion del Sitio Superfund Lower Neponset River Programada para el 21 de abril de 2026
*
BOSTON, MASS. - La Agencia de Proteccion Ambiental (EPA) de Estados Unidos organizo una reunion publica sobre el Sitio Superfund Lower Neponset River con el fin de informar a las comunidades sobre los avances y los trabajos previstos en el sitio, asi como para responder a sus preguntas.
Asistir en persona:
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m. martes,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
Servicio de traduccion al espanol disponible para asistentes en linea en Reunion del Sitio Superfund Lower Neponset River Programada para el 21 de abril de 2026
*
BOSTON, MASS. - La Agencia de Proteccion Ambiental (EPA) de Estados Unidos organizo una reunion publica sobre el Sitio Superfund Lower Neponset River con el fin de informar a las comunidades sobre los avances y los trabajos previstos en el sitio, asi como para responder a sus preguntas.
Asistir en persona:
De 6:00 a 8:00 p.m. martes,21 de abril de 2026
Pryde Community Center
59 Harvard Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136
Habra estacionamiento publico disponible frente a la sucursal de Hyde Park de la Biblioteca Publica de Boston o en las calles que rodean el Pryde Community Center.
Aquellos que no puedan asistir en persona pueden participar a traves de Zoom:
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1609617554?pwd=4nzJq4wqHvYVKtEgYa3Nn8MTguL555.1 Exit EPA's website.
Referencia
El Sitio Superfund Lower Neponset River comprende una seccion de 3.7 millas de Neponset River entre su confluencia con Mother Brook (en Hyde Park, Massachusetts [MA]) y la represa Walter Baker (en Dorchester/Milton, MA). Segun las investigaciones de campo, esta parte del rio contiene sedimentos y suelos de la llanura aluvial contaminados con niveles elevados de policlorobifenilos (PCB) y otras sustancias peligrosas. El canal del Sitio Lower Neponset River tiene un ancho aproximado de 40 a 300 pies y se estima que comprende 40 acres dentro o en los limites de la ciudad de Boston (las secciones de Hyde Park, Mattapan y Dorchester) y el pueblo de Milton, MA. El sitio esta rodeado de parcelas residenciales, comerciales, industriales y publicas, incluida Neponset River Greenway.
Para obtener mas informacion sobre el sitio, visite: https://www.epa.gov/neponsetriver.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/servicio-de-traduccion-al-espanol-disponible-para-asistentes-en-linea-en-reunion-del
SBA: Administrator Loeffler Applauds SBIR-STTR Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
* * *
Administrator Loeffler Applauds SBIR-STTR Reauthorization
S. 3971 backs America's Seed Fund programs for five years, adds reforms to strengthen national security, accountability, and innovation
*
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed into law S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which reauthorizes and reforms the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler applauded
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
* * *
Administrator Loeffler Applauds SBIR-STTR Reauthorization
S. 3971 backs America's Seed Fund programs for five years, adds reforms to strengthen national security, accountability, and innovation
*
Today, President Donald J. Trump signed into law S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which reauthorizes and reforms the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler applaudedthe legislation, which was sponsored by U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee Chair Joni Ernst (R-IA) and carried in the U.S. House by Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX).
"Driven by innovative startups, the United States leads the world in scientific breakthroughs and transformative technology - and thanks to this law, SBIR and STTR will continue to power entrepreneurs who are building the industrial base of the future," said Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "For decades, these cross-agency programs have enabled small, innovative businesses to take bold ideas to commercialization, bolster our national security, and ensure America leads the world in defense, energy, agriculture, biotechnology, space exploration, and other critical industries. Amid intense global competition and America's reindustrialization, this law reinforces the Administration's commitment to accelerating American ingenuity. I applaud lawmakers for advancing this critical measure and am grateful to President Trump for signing it into law to unleash the potential of the next generation of innovators."
Since 1982, the SBIR and STTR programs, known together as America's Seed Fund, have invested more than $81 billion into over 34,000 small businesses, helping them turn ideas into marketable products and services. The SBA plays a central role in overseeing the programs and administering them across multiple federal agencies, including the Department of War, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture, NASA, EPA, and others - powering innovation and economic growth nationwide. The SBIR Program has supported numerous major companies in their startup stages, including Anduril, Qualcomm, Biogen, Illumina, and iRobot.
S. 3971 reauthorizes SBIR and STTR programs through September 30, 2031, and includes key reforms that strengthen program integrity, protect against foreign adversaries, expand access to new innovative businesses, and ensure taxpayer dollars deliver measurable results. These reforms modernize program operations to ensure they continue fueling American innovation for years to come.
* * *
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/04/13/administrator-loeffler-applauds-sbir-sttr-reauthorization
EPA, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Renew Pledge to First State Farming, Environmental Health with Memorandum of Understanding
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Renew Pledge to First State Farming, Environmental Health with Memorandum of Understanding
*
DOVER, Del. (April 14, 2026) -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) renewed their shared goals of well-managed sustainable farms that produce food for our communities and a clean environment for everyone to enjoy through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today.
The MOU covers topics from communication and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Renew Pledge to First State Farming, Environmental Health with Memorandum of Understanding
*
DOVER, Del. (April 14, 2026) -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) renewed their shared goals of well-managed sustainable farms that produce food for our communities and a clean environment for everyone to enjoy through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today.
The MOU covers topics from communication andeducation to environmental stewardship, funding opportunities and regulatory programs. The agreement sets the goal of engaging the broader agricultural community to pursue environmental protection and regenerative practices, making clear that conservation and profitability can coexist.
" From the Brandywine to the Inland Bays, Delaware's producers are showing that prosperity and clean water go hand in hand," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. " This agreement between EPA and the Delaware Department of Agriculture accelerates producer access to resources and growing practices that build soil health, reduce costs, safeguard water quality, and support rural prosperity."
" A healthy environment enhances the lives of all Delawareans and particularly the livelihood of the First State farming community, " said Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Don Clifton. " Strengthening the DDA's partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency coordinates state and federal efforts to support many Delaware agriculture priorities, from water quality to conservation efforts."
Background
The MOU outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and the Delaware Department of Agriculture:
* Focusing on improving water quality, particularly in critical areas like the Chesapeake Bay.
* Joint training for the agricultural community to ensure effective implementation of federal and state regulatory programs.
* Increasing awareness on funding that supports conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.
* Hosting roundtables and educational farm tours to promote successes, address challenges, and identify opportunities to achieve well-managed, productive farms and a clean environment.
* Taking advantage of annual events such as state fairs, farm shows and technical field days to expand open discussion between EPA Region 3 and the agricultural community.
* Promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
Today's event at the DDA's Dover headquarters included a roundtable discussion featuring state and federal agricultural and environmental leaders, including Secretary Greg Patterson from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, State Sen. Russell Huxtable, and representatives from Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer's Office, the Delaware Farm Bureau and the Governor's Council on Agriculture.
EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region (Region 3) serves Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and seven federally recognized Tribes. Follow EPA Region 3 on Instagram Exit EPA's website, X Exit EPA's website and Facebook Exit EPA's website.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-delaware-department-agriculture-renew-pledge-first-state-farming-environmental
EPA Launches PFAS Out Initiative to Help Proactively Address PFAS in Drinking Water
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Launches PFAS Out Initiative to Help Proactively Address PFAS in Drinking Water
*
WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer launched a new initiative called PFAS OUTreach-or PFAS OUT. This new effort proactively works with communities and water systems to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, years ahead of compliance with federal regulatory requirements. The initiative is central to EPA's commitment to protecting
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Launches PFAS Out Initiative to Help Proactively Address PFAS in Drinking Water
*
WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer launched a new initiative called PFAS OUTreach-or PFAS OUT. This new effort proactively works with communities and water systems to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, years ahead of compliance with federal regulatory requirements. The initiative is central to EPA's commitment to protectingAmericans from PFAS contamination and advancing President Trump's Make America Healthy Again agenda.
"Protecting Americans from exposure to PFAS in drinking water is a priority for EPA. That's why I'm thrilled to launch the PFAS OUT initiative to help water systems accelerate actions to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. "These contaminants are well studied, their health impacts are well understood. Through PFAS OUT, EPA will help protect public health by-for the very first time-proactively engaging with water systems, states, and other partners to address drinking water contamination."
PFAS OUT is a proactive outreach initiative to provide information on resources, including funding and technical assistance, to drinking water systems with PFAS challenges. This outreach will provide practical, interactive location-specific resources, including webinars and information, on how to access funding and technical assistance to address PFAS.
EPA aims to directly engage about 3,000 drinking water systems nationwide that have known challenges with PFOA and PFOS, ensuring they are aware of the support available to them (approximately 2% of water systems). All water systems will be able to access PFASOUT resources and can secure technical assistance through EPA's Real WaterTA.
Small, rural, and disadvantaged water systems often have fewer resources to navigate complex contamination challenges. PFAS OUT is specifically designed to ensure these communities are not left behind, helping every affected system reduce exposure now and position itself for full compliance with enforceable drinking water standards in the coming years.
This initiative reflects EPA's commitment to cooperative federalism, a core pillar of Administrator Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, by working hand-in-hand with states, utilities, and local partners to deliver durable, science-based solutions that protect public health.
Learn more about PFAS OUT.
This is just the latest action EPA is taking to ensure that all Americans can rely on safe drinking water. On April 2, 2026, the agency announced a landmark set of actions to safeguard the nation's drinking water from microplastics, pharmaceuticals, forever chemicals, and dozens of other contaminants-delivering on the Trump administration's promise to Make America Healthy Again.
EPA released the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List for public comment. This critical tool drives research, funding, and future decisions on regulating emerging threats in public water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The draft CCL 6 includes four contaminant groups-microplastics, pharmaceuticals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and disinfection byproducts-as well as 75 chemicals and nine microbes that may be found in drinking water.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-launches-pfas-out-initiative-help-proactively-address-pfas-drinking-water
Amtrak Joins SEPTA to Celebrate Completion of Ardmore Station Improvements
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
* * *
Amtrak Joins SEPTA to Celebrate Completion of Ardmore Station Improvements
*
Amtrak joined officials from Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) on Friday, April 10, to celebrate the official opening of the new Ardmore Station on the Paoli/Thorndale Line. The rebuilt station represents a significant investment in regional rail infrastructure and expands accessibility for passengers with modern amenities, including elevators, ramps, and high - level platforms.
"Projects like
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 14 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
* * *
Amtrak Joins SEPTA to Celebrate Completion of Ardmore Station Improvements
*
Amtrak joined officials from Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) on Friday, April 10, to celebrate the official opening of the new Ardmore Station on the Paoli/Thorndale Line. The rebuilt station represents a significant investment in regional rail infrastructure and expands accessibility for passengers with modern amenities, including elevators, ramps, and high - level platforms.
"Projects likeArdmore underscore what can be achieved when agencies work together with a shared commitment to putting customers first," said Amtrak Assistant Vice President of Infrastructure Access & Investment Tom Moritz. "Amtrak is proud to continue serving the Ardmore community alongside SEPTA, and we look forward to welcoming customers to this renewed and expanded station aboard the Keystone Service."
Ardmore Station serves both SEPTA Regional Rail and Amtrak Keystone Service, a route financed primarily through funds made available by PennDOT. Amtrak worked closely with SEPTA throughout the project to support continued intercity rail service during construction. The modernized station enhances the travel experience for Amtrak and SEPTA customers alike while improving safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency along this shared corridor.
Amtrak appreciates its ongoing partnership with SEPTA and congratulates the agency, its workforce, and partners on the successful completion of this important project, which will benefit travelers and the Ardmore community for decades to come.
(Photo courtesy of SEPTA)
***
Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/04/amtrak-joins-septa-to-celebrate-completion-of-ardmore-station-improvements/