Union Pacific donates $25,000 to depot project

A downtown association received a chunk of change for a Founder’s Park at the Amtrak depot.

Union Pacific Railroad gave Sedalia Downtown Development Inc. $25,000 toward renovations of the depot.

Robert Turner, Union Pacific senior vice president of corporate relations, made the presentation in front of about two dozen railroad officials and city and business Monday afternoon in the depot, which is undergoing renovations.

Meg Liston, administrator of Sedalia Downtown Development Inc. (SDDI), said it was a “special honor” to have Turner make the presentation. Liston said the money will be used for the Founder’s Park portion of the depot renovations, a tribute to Sedalia founder Gen. George Smith, who brought the railroad here.

The contribution is in keeping with Union Pacific’s goal to reconnect with communities.

“By losing touch with the lifeblood of the country, we think we’ve given up something. ... Our commitment is that we are going to be more involved than we ever have been,” said Turner who made his first trip to Sedalia from the company’s headquarters in Omaha, Neb.

The company is trying to donate to projects about which the community cares, Turner said. Since the railroad plays a big part in Sedalia’s history, contributing to the depot project was a natural fit for Union Pacific.

“It’s a real easy one to say yes to,” Turner said.

Liston said more private donations are needed for the $225,000 Founder’s Park, Amtrak depot lobby and public parking, all on the east side of the building.

“We’re in the process of going to the community to ask for donors to the Founder’s Club,” Liston said.

The park will include benches, greenery and flowers, historic markers and kiosks featuring history. It will serve as the “gateway” to downtown from U.S. 65 and Interstate 70, Liston said.

The depot was originally built in 1888, but has several additions since then. The $1.5 million in renovations are expected to be completed by Feb. 15. The improvements include SDDI offices, an Amtrak passenger lobby manned by volunteers, OATS public transportation offices and parking on the west end and construction of a bike spur from the depot to the Katy Trail.

The SDDI started planning the project in 1998, and bought the building in 2000.