Tate Train Depot to Be Moved

The Tate Train Depot, located in Tate Georgia may be moved very soon. Tate is a Pickens County community located approximately 5 miles south of Jasper. Architect, Ben Carter spoke about plans for the move at the local Pickens BOC meeting in November.The L & N Depot was originally constructed in 1916 and serviced diesel locomotives for the Georgia Northeaster Railroad for a time. The project has 3 Georgia DOT TE Grants of $400,000 each for a total of 1.2 million to be used in moving the depot across the street and further from the tracks. Mr. Carter explained the base bid was to relocate the depot and restoring the exterior.

According to Commission Chair Rob Jones the move could take place within 6 months. Work may begin soon after the holidays. The railroad would like to remove a set of the tracks and place automatic railroad arms. Before that can be completed the depot would need to be moved.

The funds allotted through the Transportation Enhancement grants will cover the cost of moving and outside work on the depot. Any work completed to the interior would be up to perhaps a civic organization. It could be something that Tate would seek to do so as to be able to have use of the Depot for future use.