TEXARKANA, Ark. -- For the first time since in more than 20 years, the Union Station in downtown Texarkana may have a chance at a new life.
The Arkansas-side Board of Directors agreed Monday in a 4-2 vote to green-light a $200,000 contribution to help the city of Texarkana, Texas, buy the vintage train station. The idea is for a joint redevelopment project for the building, which was constructed in 1930.
Early last month, both cities and Amtrak signed a good-faith agreement regarding the station's possible redevelopment.
Amtrak's plans also include potentially applying for state and federal historic grant funds, because Union Station has existed since both cities' founding, according to municipal documents.
Most of the board members agreed that such a refurbishment could bolster downtown revitalization and restoration.
Should the project fall short, Mayor Allen Brown said both cities would get their funds returned.
Along with approving the Union Station start-up funds, the board also approved buying nine police cars through McLarty Ford for $339,521.
In a closed session before Monday's meeting, the board interviewed two city manager candidates but took no action on filling the post. Finance Director TyRhonda Henderson is serving as interim city manager.