Imagining future Amtrak possibilities in Du Quoin

Any unspoken fears that Amtrak is cutting service to Du Quoin evaporated quickly Thursday during a noon meeting between Mayor Rex Duncan and Derrick James, Amtrak's director of intergovernmental affairs.

The meeting began at the Du Quoin Amtrak station, then moved to the nearby Alongi's restaurant.

The meeting with community leaders was more about imagining the possibilities--renovation of the existing Amtrak station, construction of a new Amtrak station, making Du Quoin a bike trail destination (because Amtrak now allows bikes on trains on some routes) and upcoming promotions. They include a 20 percent discount on fairs.

The possibilities--call it a wish list--included seeking historic preservation funding to build a replica of the old Illinois Central train depot.

James said the Du Quoin Amtrak station is serviceable, but adds that it needs some Americans With Disabilities modifications, but suggested that Du Quoin think bigger in terms of a new station that could house both Amtrak and the chamber, as it does now.

The imaginings will be ongoing, but there was a great exchange of ideas.

Local ridership is about 11,000 passengers a year, small by Amtrak's standards, but no less important than any other stop.

Those attending the luncheon were Mayor Duncan, commissioner Kathy West, city administrator Brad Myers, chamber president Gary Kelly, chamber vice-president Robyn Laur Russell, executive chamber director Stacy Hirsch, tourism director Judy Smid, newspaperman John Croessman and Amtrak personnel Derrick James, Tamara Sehl, John Bueschel, John Bender and Dan Steinberg.