The fundraising campaign to build a new Amtrak station in Fulton has raised more than $75,000.
The fundraiser was an initiative of the Twin Cities Restoration Foundation. The foundation’s chairman and founder Jeff Campbell says $20,000 came from the city, county, and tourism commission combined, and the rest was raised from private donations. Campbell says his goal was $60,000 when he started fundraising in January. The extra money, he says, will be used to install LED lighting and security cameras and to pave the parking lot.
According to the National Association of Railroad Passengers, Fulton has the busiestof Kentucky’s four Amtrak stations. Campbell says the new 500 square foot station will reflect the town’s railroad heritage.
“Fulton was founded as a railroad,” Campbell said. “And so this station that’s been out there for 40 years is in complete disrepair. And that station should be a front door to our community. So, finally, we’ll have a modern transportation facility that everyone in the area can be proud of.”
Campbell says his foundation has helped the town repaint its downtown buildings and create a new park in the last few years, stimulating economic growth. He calls the new station “another step in the renaissance of Fulton.”
After state officials sign off on the building plans, Campbell says construction will take 60 to 90 days. He hopes to have a ribbon cutting in June.
