Though it was difficult, James Cowhey did manage to contain his emotions Monday.

"I have never been so angry in my life," said the executive director of the Lancaster County Planning Commission. "This is outrageous."

The normally reserved Cowhey got riled when he told members of the county's Transportation Technical Advisory Committee that Amtrak recently informed him it was tripling its fee for the renovation of the Lancaster station. The county is paying for the work being done on the station along McGovern Avenue.

"This community is gifting a renovated station to Amtrak," Cowhey said of the $12 million project.

Instead of being grateful, he said the nation's passenger rail service is demanding more.

And that demand is threatening to halt the renovations, leaving the station unfinished, he said.

Amtrak officials did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment Monday afternoon.

After more than a decade of discussion and planning, renovation work began last fall on the station.

The project calls for the renovation of the interior and exterior of the 81-year-old station, including the expansive granite-and-marble main level and concourse. Lower-level offices and work areas also are being redone.

The parking area outside the station is being enlarged and a new passenger dropoff and pickup point is being added. The station's driveway will be connected to North Duke Street, the station will be made more handicapped accessible and space is being made for retailers. Also, air conditioning is being added.

The 18-month project is expected to be completed next spring.

As part of the contract, Amtrak required that its workers be used for part of the project.

Amtrak initially estimated its workers could do the electrical work and painting for $833,280, Cowhey said. A year ago, before the work actually began, Cowhey said he received notice from Amtrak that it had underestimated its costs. The bill would be about double the initial estimate.

Last week, Cowhey said, the latest estimate arrived. Amtrak said the work now will cost $2.5 million.

Cowhey said a $1.1 million reserve was budgeted for the project but the latest cost estimate would leave the project $600,000 over budget.

Transportation committee member Ray D'Agostino balked.

"I'll be darned if I vote to give them any more money," D'Agostino said.

Committee member Paula Jackson, a Lancaster city planner, said the other contractors working on the project would have to absorb a loss if they underestimated their costs.

Dennis Sloand, a state official with the transportation department, said it looks like Amtrak is holding the county hostage. However, he said intransigence wouldn't help.

"Then you are left with a half-finished station," he said.

Cowhey said he will try to get more information from Amtrak. He said he had seen nothing to justify the increased cost.

One line item in a spreadsheet showed the cost of telephones climbing from $750 to $250,000, Cowhey said.

"There is no rhyme or reason to miss something by that amount. What is that — 2,000 percent?" he asked.

Cowhey said he also would try to contact Congressman Joe Pitts, and Sen. Bob Casey.

He said he hopes the federal legislators can get the attention of top Amtrak officials. Cowhey said his communication has been with lower-level officials.

The frustrated Cowhey also said the county had paid $1 million from its general fund for the design work for the renovation, in addition to its $400,000 contribution toward construction.

"This community has put a lot of treasure into this building," he said.

bharris@lnpnews.com