Commissioners Sponsoring Agency for Staples Historical Society's Phase II Train Depot Renovation
- Debra Meyer-Myrum
- 17 minutes ago
- 1 min read
by Debra Meyer-Myrum
At the regular Todd County Commissioners meeting held on January 20, the commissioners approved serving as the sponsoring agency for the Transportation Alternatives Grant application submitted by the Staples Historical Society for the Staples Northern Pacific Railway Depot Second-Floor Access Improvements project.
The county would enter into the necessary agreements with MnDOT and the Staples Historical Society will administer Federal Transportation Alternatives Funds, provide project oversight and ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements.
The sponsorship is limited to project administration and fiscal oversight, while ownership, operation, and long-term maintenance of the depot and all project improvements shall remain the responsibility of the Staples Historical Society.
Loren Fellbaum (Public Works) and Erich Heppner (Staples Historical Society) presented the resolution to the commissioners.
Heppner stated the Staples Depot has been on the Historical National Registry since 1985. It was built in 1909. The project’s first phase renovated the first floor. The second phase, estimated to cost $233,730, would renovate the second floor. This would include making the facility ADA compliant and it would meet current codes for safety.
The Staples Historical Society has been raising funds and has secured enough financial resources to move ahead with applying for the grant.
Commissioner Byers stated the presentation was great and detailed.
Commissioner Neumann stated the Staples Depot is an awesome asset to Todd County.
Commissioner Becker asked Fellbaum is he had any objections since his department would over see the grant. Fellbaum stated they had worked together before and it was great.
The Staples Depot serves 8,000 passengers annually...
