[IMAGE]SEPTA-Fox-Chase-Station-May-24-2011-2.jpg[/IMAGE] Last week, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) representatives and elected officials joined residents of Philadelphia's Fox Chase neighborhood to celebrate the authority's rebuilt Fox Chase train station at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

[IMAGE]SEPTA-Ribbon-Cutting-May-24-2011-2.jpg[/IMAGE] The new station building, which includes energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, is eligible for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver-designation.

The United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED certification system recognizes the environmental impact of new building and major renovation projects. The USGBC awards points to projects for the types of materials used, energy efficiency, waste recycling and other ecofriendly construction practices. LEED ratings are "Certified," "Silver," "Gold" and "Platinum." Fox Chase Station is eligible for Silver certification in USGBC's "New Construction" category.

"We are proud not only to provide the members of the Fox Chase community with a rebuilt station, but also with environmentally-friendly designed train station," said SEPTA GM Joseph Casey. "Fox Chase Station's LEED eligibility is another example of how 'green' public transportation is."

Renovations at Fox Chase Station — the terminus of SEPTA's Fox Chase Regional Rail Line — began in fall 2009 and cost $1.1 million dollars, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

In addition to demolishing and rebuilding the station building, renovations at Fox Chase included demolition and removal of parts of existing platform, ramps, railings and benches; installation of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps and railings; construction of new canopies and reworking parts of station platform.

The station remained open throughout the construction period.