Union Station officials have asked the Bistate Commission for $1.05 million to improve the soon-to-open railroad museum and clear the way for a Harvey House Diner in the historic building.

The commission, which oversees the tax that was paid for Union Station's renovation, didn't take action Wednesday night. If approved, this would leave $70,000 of the $121.7 million raised by the tax.

In 1996, voters on both sides of the state line approved an eighth-cent sales tax to revitalize Union Station after years of neglect. The building reopened in 1999 but has struggled financially. Officials hope new exhibits will boost attendance and revenue.

Station president and chief executive Andi Udris explained how the $1.05 million would help.

Some $700,000 of the amount would help beef up the railroad museum, which will include an engineer simulator that lets visitors “drive” a train. The railroad museum will open Sept. 23 even if the request is denied, officials said.

The station also wants to revamp its struggling food court, which has only two surviving eateries. The Harvey House, based on the classic train station restaurant, would take over the space, Udris said. He expects the restaurant could attract nearby workers for breakfast and lunch, especially once the new Internal Revenue Service offices across the street are completed.

It isn't clear how much the diner will cost; the station has asked for $150,000 for preliminary work.

Udris also requested $200,000 for parking and security equipment in a new garage that will be used by IRS and postal service employees.

These changes would help Union Station increase its income and improve its financial situation, Udris said. The building is expected to have a deficit of nearly $6.7 million this year.

Bistate commissioners said they need to make sure Udris' request fits within the original purpose of the tax. They also want to make sure their commission has enough money to continue to operate.

Even after all the tax money is spent, the commission will continue to have oversight over Union Station to make sure the building continues to follow the original ballot language, chairman Michael Copeland said.

Originally published online here: http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/11848098.htm