County Gives $50,000 For Depot Roof, More Funds Desperately Needed

By Gordon HopkinsJefferson County Commissioners agreed to provide the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) with $50,000 to begin work on the desperately needed new roof for the historic Rock Island Railroad Depot Museum. The funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). One of the stated uses of ARPA is for tourism. The roof had already been in a severe state of disrepair when a severe storm hit much of Nebraska, including Jefferson County, on December 15, 2021. That storm and subsequent bad weather has caused further deterioration of the roof. Patches put in place by JCHS have stopped some, but not all, of the leaks, particularly on the south side of the building. Combined with funds JCHS has already raised, the $50,000 provided by the county will allow JCHS to make a down payment for the repairs and lock in the price. This is especially important now given ongoing inflation means prices will likely only increase.However, there is still a long way to go, both in terms of time and money. The depot’s historical significance means, among other things, the tile used for the roof must be historically accurate, which has proven to be a major stumbling block as the price tag for tiles made from the same clay material is steep. JCHS has located an alternative which, while cheaper because it is made from a different material, looks the same. It will take an estimated 30 weeks for the tile order to be filled. By that time, JCHS must have the remainder of the money due. Commissioner Mark Schoenrock said after the county’s contribution, “You would have $150,000 left to pay for the whole thing.”JCHS is continuing to look into possible fund-raising avenues and is accepting donations from the public.

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