Leon County to Repair Amtrak Station Visitor Center Following Tornadoes

News Summary

Leon County officials are set to prioritize repairs for the Amtrak Station Visitor Center, which sustained serious damage from last year’s tornadoes. A county commission meeting on May 13 will decide whether to award a $2.16 million contract to H.A. Contracting Corp. to kickstart the restoration. The rebuilding is projected to begin in July 2025 and finish by spring 2026, funded through insurance and the county’s tourism fund. This crucial infrastructure is not only vital for transportation but also enhances local tourism.

Leon County, Florida – In a significant step towards recovery following last year’s devastating tornadoes, Leon County officials are set to prioritize the repair of the Amtrak Station Visitor Center Building. A vote at the upcoming county commission meeting on May 13 will determine whether to award a $2.16 million contract to H.A. Contracting Corp., based in Doral, Florida, to initiate crucial restoration efforts.

The Amtrak Station Visitor Center, which also serves as the workplace for the county’s division of tourism, sustained extensive damage when tornadoes swept through the area last year. The rebuilding project is expected to start in July 2025, with an anticipated completion date in spring 2026. Funding for these repairs will come from a mix of insurance proceeds and the county’s tourism fund balance, amounting to a total commitment of $2.6 million.

The budget breakdown for the project shows that $1,175,000 will come from insurance, while $985,000 will be drawn from the tourism fund. Additionally, to accommodate potential unforeseen issues due to the building’s historical nature, a 20% contingency of $432,000 has been added, raising the overall cost of the repairs.

This development follows the destruction caused by tornadoes that moved through Leon County, including the Railroad Square area and parts of Woodville. A recent assessment by the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado in eastern Leon County, registering wind speeds of 80-85 mph. The survey conducted on the damage on Tuesday also noted additional tornadoes that emerged in Central Texas, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather.

The Amtrak Station Visitor Center is not just a transportation hub; it also hosts All Saints Cinema, further emphasizing its importance to the local community and tourism economy. With employees relocated to the Visitor Center in April 2023, the need for timely repairs has become increasingly urgent.

H.A. Contracting Corp. has a history of completing successful projects across several cities and school districts in South Florida, as well as working in high-profile areas like the Miami Heat’s venue. Their engagement in Leon County’s restoration efforts is expected to bolster local capacities for managing and executing the repair schedule efficiently.

As the county works towards recovery from the natural disaster, these planned renovations reflect an essential commitment to restoring vital community infrastructure. The upcoming county commission meeting will be pivotal, determining the next steps in re-establishing the Visitor Center’s functionality as a central resource for both residents and visitors.

In light of the findings from the National Weather Service, which has dispatched crews to assess damage across multiple counties, public safety will remain a priority throughout this rebuilding process. Ensuring that the Visitor Center and surrounding areas are adequately fortified against future severe weather will be a crucial component of the overall repair strategy.

As Leon County progresses in its recovery journey, the repairs to the Amtrak Station Visitor Center mark a significant milestone in returning to normalcy and enhancing support for the community’s tourism sector.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: County Commissioners to Consider Repairs of Amtrak Visitor Center
• Wikipedia: Tornado
• KBTX: Storm Tears Through Leon County
• Google Search: Leon County tornadoes
• WTXL: Survey Team Sent to Assess Tornado Damage
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
• KWTX: Four Tornadoes Confirmed in Central Texas
• Google News: Severe Weather Leon County

Author: HERE Tallahassee