Highway Commission Gives Major Grant to Brinkley Depot
April 2, 2002

The Arkansas Highway Commission has awarded $640,000 to the City of Brinkley, Ark., for restoration of Union Depot.

Louise Mitchell, president of Central Delta Historical Society, announced the grant, according to a report in The Brinkley Argus. The historical society has partnered with the city of Brinkley in the renovation project and is leading the way in raising funds to restore the depot to its original state. The grant is one of many awarded by the Arkansas Highway Commission for enhancement program projects in the state this year.

"I am very pleased that we are able to assist local communities with projects such as these," commission Vice-chairman J.W. "Buddy" Benafield of Hickory Plains said. "The local pride that is created by these projects can't be measured. I'm glad we can play a role."

"This is the best news for Brinkley. Our community is so blessed," Laura Beth Bussell, a member of the society's finance committee, said. "This means we will complete the renovation and have the museum and visitors' center open by May 2003 for the celebration of the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial. We could not be more proud or grateful."

Bussell praised many individuals and organizations for their help in winning the highway commission's support.

"We could not have accomplished the grant approval without lots of community support, which we desperately need to continue. We also owe our gratitude for support to State Representatives Danny Ferguson and Kevin Smith, and U.S. Congressman Marion Berry, Senator Blanche Lincoln, Secretary of State Sharon Priest, Mayor Billy Clay, and many, many more," she said. "I personally want to thank Thomas and Katie Jacques, Tim Prestwood, Dick Young, Henry Wilks, Ralph Clifton, Robert Ed McKnight, and Albert Rusher for their hard work and dedication to this project."

"The finance committee has done a fantastic job in fundraising, especially with grant applications. I hope their outstanding work will be followed up by donations from those with Monroe County ties, thus allowing us to raise the necessary matching funds to receive the entire grant," Mitchell said.

Bussell estimated that the community must raise another $175,000 to $200,000 to complete restoration of the depot. Albert Rusher, also a member of the historical society's finance committee and a major contributor to the project, urged others to participate.

"We encourage everyone to be a part of it. Let this be a city-wide project. We need the cooperation of everyone in the community," he said.

The community is investing $780,000 into the restoration of the depot, and expects to have the work completed in time for the historic building to be used as a visitors' center during the Louisiana Purchase Bicentennial.

The historical society has established recognition levels with a railroad theme for donors to the depot restoration:

Section Foreman: $1-49
Switchman: $50-99
Baggage Agent: $100-499
Ticket Agent: $500-999
Porter: $1,000-4999
Brakeman: $5,000-9,999
Fireman: $10,000-14,999
Conductor: $15,000-19,999
Engineer: $20,000-24,999
Railroad Magnate: $25,000 and above