Franchise fees to cover depot renovation

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A new phase of renovations to Pearland’s historic train depot will get under way soon.
City Council on Monday approved a $147,000 contract that will provide an accessible entrance, renovate restrooms and re-allocate office space to accommodate the city’s communications department.

“This is funded by PEG funds — which is Public, Educational and Governmental funds,” City Manager Trent Epperson said. “Those are funds the city receives through franchise fees: We set aside dollars through that funding source to do this work.”

“This is not coming from your property tax or sales tax,” Councilman Joseph Koza said. “This is a separate tax that through our franchise fees and it is very restricted in how it can be utilized.”

Known as the city’s oldest structure, the depot was built between 1896 and 1900 by Southern Homestead Co.

Donated to the city in 1972, the depot — originally located in the Old Townsite area — was moved to its current location at 3501 Liberty Drive in 1980.

Nicole Bradford

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