CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the Seattle Department of Transportation; authorizing the Director of Transportation to enter into a lease agreement with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for Amtrak's continued use and occupancy of a portion of King Street Station to provide passenger rail services.
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WHEREAS, the City acquired King Street Station (Station) from the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) by quitclaim deed dated February 15, 2008, King County Recorder's Number 20080215002336 (Deed); and
WHEREAS, under the Deed, the City's title to the Station is subject to Amtrak's rights in and to the Station pursuant to the Rail Passenger Service Act (49 U.S.C. ? 24308) and the agreement between Amtrak and the predecessor in interest of BNSF dated September 1, 1996; and
WHEREAS, prior to the City's acquisition of the Station, Amtrak leased a portion of the Station from BNSF pursuant to a lease agreement dated February 27, 2003 (Assigned Lease); and
WHEREAS, as part of the transaction transferring ownership of King Street Station to the City, Amtrak, BNSF, and the City entered into a Consent and Agreement whereby BNSF assigned to the City its rights and obligations as landlord under the Assigned Lease and whereby Amtrak consented to the assignment and agreed to the City as landlord; and
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Assigned Lease, Amtrak was responsible for the maintenance and repair of the King Street Station to the extent necessary for Amtrak operations, and the landlord was not obligated to fund any capital costs associated with the leased premises; and
WHEREAS, since acquiring King Street Station, the City's Department of Transportation has constructed extensive seismic upgrades, and renovated and restored historic elements throughout the Station, including throughout portions of the Station operated by Amtrak, utilizing a combination of ...
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