Longview Gets Funds to Restore Depot

LONGVIEW — The historic Longview Junction Train Depot will undergo a major restoration effort thanks to federal funds totaling $2,169,461. In addition to the federal funds, the City of Longview is required to provide $450,000 as a local match. The City of Longview acquired the building from Union Pacific in 2009 and has a 20 year lease on the land.

The project includes the restoration and rehabilitation of the depot. The restored depot will be a part of the Longview Transportation Center. Officials say the center will serve as a central multimodal area for Longview that would include access to Amtrak, Longview Transit, Greyhound, and more. A master plan has been prepared that recommends returning the circa 1940 structure to its original condition with attention given to historical accuracy. The depot building is approximately 9,300 square feet, but only a small portion of the building is currently occupied. The depot currently serves Amtrak passenger services and is a communication site for Union Pacific Railroad. According to officials this project would allow for the full utilization of the building with services that enhance transportation convenience and efficiency while securing its place in history.