(rshsdepot) Kingman, AZ

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

Environmental studies clear the way for Kingman depot restoration project

By Linda Stelp
Kingman Daily Miner Staff Writer

The $500,000 Kingman train depot restoration project is moving full speed
ahead. An architect has been hired, and an environmental impact study -
required before work to rehabilitate the Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railway Depot can begin - has been completed.
"We are finalizing a sub-lease from Amtrak for the depot and the grounds,
and we are completing all the environmental evaluation reports," said Rob
Owen, principal planner with the city of Kingman Community Development
Department.
Because 94.3 percent of the project is being funded with a grant from the
federal government, the city is required to hire experts to check for
hazardous material.
"An environmental evaluation is required before the federal government will
approve the project," Owens said. "Biological, archeological and hazardous
material concerns are addressed. Soil samples are checked and flood plane
regulations and a whole myriad of other concerns are considered.
"They have to address all the potential environmental problems that could
occur."
Owens said environmental studies show there are no problems, and the project
can move forward.
The next step is to send the reports to the Arizona Department of
Transportation, the state entity that administers the federal grant.
"We submit plans to the ADOT Transportation Enhancement Program for
approval," he said. "It will probably take a minimum of three times. We
always have to change something."
Bill Otwell, a Prescott architect, is designing plans for the Kingman Depot
restoration project.
Preliminary plans will be given to city staff, officials at both railroads
and 20 residents who attended an open meeting concerning the project July
23.
After plans are finalized the city will solicit bids for the work from
contractors, with the work going to the lowest responsible bidder, he added.
However, Owen said the project is two years away from construction.
"Almost 95 percent of the costs of the project are paid for," he said. "The
flip side is it takes a long time when you are using federal money."
The city is required to spend money up front before being reimbursed for
project costs, Owen said. The city is also responsible for 5.7 percent of
the $500,000 project.
The renovation is in keeping with an overall plan to revitalize historic
downtown Kingman.
Grounds around the depot are also in line for improvements.
Western Arizona Council of Governments gave the green light for funding for
the Kingman Railroad Pathway/Landscape Project, which will provide a
connecting path and landscaping between the Powerhouse Visitor Center and
the depot, although it will take three to four years to develop the project,
Owen said.
The pathway project calls for pedestrian walkway improvements, gravel,
irrigation, turf and plants.


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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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