We stayed overnight at one of my favorite places - the Kingsley Inn in Fort Madison. This is one of Iowa's great bed and breakfasts, and I never miss an opportunity to stay when in this corner of the state. The owners - Tim and Tami Waggoner - are just great hosts. They bought the hotel a couple of years ago, and are working hard to grow their business and their new hometown.
After a good nights sleep, and a delicious breakfast, we headed to our event just down the street at the old Fort Madison Depot.
This community is one of the few in our state that is serviced by Amtrak. But, right now, passengers get off at a platform in the industrial part of town. This is not a very good way to be introduced to this great Iowa community. However, this is all going to change thanks to I-JOBS.
Located right on the riverfront is the historic Santa Fe depot. However, this building has not housed passengers for several decades. And the building has been hit hard by flooding - especially during the floods of 2008.
With the IJOBS funds, the City will raise this building up to protect it from future flooding and restore the depot. When its all said and done, Amtrak will make this their station. With the Mississippi on one side, and picturesque Fort Madison on the other, this will be a great gateway for visitors to this community who will spend money in local shops, hotels, and restaurants. This project will help bring new life to Fort Madison - which has been hit hard economically in recent years - and I'm glad I had a chance to see for myself the work this town is doing.
Well, we are heading down the road to our next event in Burlington.
See you down the road,
Patty
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