(rshsdepot) LaPorte, IN

["Bernie Wagenblast" <brwagenblast_@_home.com>]

picture available, for a short time, at
http://www.heraldargus.com/content/story.php?storyid=6

LaPorte finally gets depot from railroad
Chamber of commerce may move in

By DANIEL PRZYBYLA - Staff Writer
The LaPorte Herald-Argus

Following nearly eight years of uncertainty and property struggles, the city
of LaPorte will finally secure the historic former Conrail depot at the
north end of Michigan Avenue.

On Monday, Norfolk Southern Railroad approved a 20-year agreement with the
city to lease the depot's two structures: the 1910 passenger station and
adjacent baggage house.

"I am absolutely thrilled to death to finally get the railroad to agree to
give the city the depot," Mayor Kathy Chroback said.

As a result of the lease agreement, the city can now obtain $819,000 in
state transportation funds to restore the property.

Among the improvements cited in 2000 to upgrade the structures: new windows,
tuck-pointing and major work to the clay tile roofs.

The mayor has said improvements will adhere to the buildings' historical
integrity.

The city's newly formed Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation and
offices for the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce could relocate to the
depot.

The state originally told the city it would need title to the depot in order
to secure the 1994 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act grant,
said City Attorney Don Baugher. The state eased its restrictions and said a
99-year lease would be adequate, but then agreed to an even shorter lease
between the city and the railroad company.

Norfolk Southern would like to simply turn over the property to the city but
is unable to because of government restrictions that prohibit railroad
companies from selling off properties within 20 years of a merger, Baugher
said.

Norfolk Southern and CSX purchased Conrail, former owner of the depot, in
1999. Later that year former Mayor Carl Krentz rejected Norfolk Southern's
lease agreement with the city.

Since summer 2000, Chroback has been negotiating a lease agreement with the
railroad company.

After the lease agreement ends in 20 years, city officials hope for outright
ownership of the depot.

City officials will meet with Indiana Department of Transportation officials
within the next 30 days to discuss the restoration project.

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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #214
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