At Monday evening's Bonham City Council, it was full steam ahead for the project that seems destined to bring steam locomotives back to a scenic section of deserted railroad tracks east of Bonham.

The Bonham City Council voted to ratify two pivotal Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCo) decisions that make it feasible for an historic railroad attraction to solidify plans to locate in Bonham. 

On April 7, BEDCo voted to reimburse TxDOT $145,000 for 1.5 miles of railroad track that run from the north side of Powder Creek Park to the city limits on the east side of Bonham.  Fannin Rail District, a group that will meet April 14 in Honey Grove to discuss these recent developments, had already secured a long-term lease on the tracks from Bonham almost to Paris.

BEDCo's second decision was to purchase 11.2 acres that extend from Hope Concrete to Main Street from Union Pacific for $55,000.  This narrow tract of land along the north side of the railroad tracks contains the turntable that could be operational in less than 18 months if Richard Grigsby has his way.  Grigsby is a pioneer in preserving historic railroad rolling stock for tourism and film projects.  When steam locomotives rumbled along this stretch of track that reached Bonham in 1873, turntables were commonly used to turn rolling stock around for return trips.  The turntable in the Bonham rail yard was uncovered when BEDCo began clearing heavy undergrowth in 2003.

Turntable at Bonham rail yard

In the year ahead, the road leading to this future attraction must be significantly improved and a parking lot designed to hold up to 200 vehicles will be strategically located at the site.  Early plans also call for a roundhouse museum.  BEDCo Executive Director Glenn Taylor said one important factor is to create more tourism in downtown Bonham, so traffic will enter town on Hwy. 56, turn south on Main Street in front of the Visitors Center and then enter the historic railroad attraction from the east. 

Railroad tracks through Bonham with turntable in upper left hand corner

Emily Porter addressed the Bonham City Council to tell some of the recent developments of the Bonham Area Tourism Association.  The association has developed a brochure to highlight attractions in the Bonham area.  Since May is Historical Preservation Month, the tourism committee will be placing pictures around town of places in Bonham that have been preserved.  This group plans to help advertise Heritage Days and the Civil War Re-enactment.

Bonham City Manager Corby Alexander gave city councilors good news when he explained that conservative planning over the past year meant that the city was on track to meet budget goals for 2009.  Alexander recently returned from Austin where he received certification to disburse $390,000 of HUD funds that will transform five older homes into vastly improved residences.  Alexander is ready to start the application process for people with substandard housing.

The city council also gave Alexander the green light to begin contract negotiations with Veolia Water to operate the city's wastewater treatment facility.

"I'm very excited," remarked councilman John Burnett about the development.  "We have an opportunity to save taxpayers a lot of money."

The city council also awarded a bid of $549,000 for construction of a parallel taxiway at Jones Field Airport.

(l-r)Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd and Bonham City Manager Corby Alexander

In other business, the Bonham City Council approved an ordinance for a special use permit allowing a print shop to locate in Local Business District zoning at 1312 North Center Street.