Toccoa Extends Amtrak Lease

Earlier this week, during the Toccoa City Commission meeting, the commission voted and approved to extend Amtrak lease.

The city commissioners approved a lease extension for Amtrak, allowing the passenger railway giant to use the depot facilities for another five years, with an option for two additional five-year terms.

The lease agreement was scheduled to expire June 18, 2018.

Amtrak uses the depot’s waiting room, which it maintains, as well as the side parking lot and common sidewalk area.

Vice Mayor Gail Fry pointed out the significance of Toccoa being one of just a few places in Georgia to have an arrangement with Amtrak.

“I just want to add that it is a great thing that we are very fortunate to be one of very few cities in Georgia to have an agreement with Amtrak, this is great for Toccoa,” she said.

City Attorney John Dickerson said there are no changes in the terms as the previous agreement.

In other business, the Commissioners moved two meeting dates.

Due to Memorial Day, the city will be meeting on Monday, May 21, instead of May 28.

In June, the city will meet on Monday, June 18, instead of Monday, June 25, due to a mayor’s conference.