(The following story by Ken McLemore appeared on the Hope Star website on June 15, 2009.)
HOPE, Ark. — Local officials were elated Monday that Hope is returning to its roots as a community board of the expansion of the railroads across Arkansas with the announcement that Amtrak and Union Pacific Railroad have agreed in principle to designate an Amtrak stop in Hope.
Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mark Keith put that perspective on the decision immediately.
“Hope was founded because of the railroads, and for them to put an Amtrak stop here goes back to those roots,” Keith said. “I think it will be a very positive thing for Hope.”
He said the planned stop at the Hope Visitor and Information Center will give the downtown business district a new direction.
“Obviously, it will draw people from around us here to ride the train,” Keith said. “With gas prices the way they are, the traveling public is considering other ways of traveling than by car. That has got to be good for the city of Hope.”
As a point in fact, Keith related a story of his travel by train in 1984.
“As we went through towns, I really was paying attention to what was there,” he said. “And, it gave me the chance to see some things; like Ottumwa, Iowa, the home of Radar O’Reilly from MASH. And, you consider that we have the birthplace of a president of the United States and a former governor/presidential candidate and national radio personality; it can only help.”
Hope Mayor Dennis Ramsey said the announcement caps a long, long process.
“This is an endeavor that began in 1893 when Senator (Dale) Bumpers was floating the idea; that’s how long parks and tourism has been working on it,” Ramsey said.
He said the designation will give Hope another “niche.”
“Any town that gets an Amtrak stop, it’s a plus,” Ramsey said. “It’s another point along the way for people, and why not take advantage of some of the sights.”
Ramsey said that a lot of details remain to be completed, but he commended Hope Parks and Tourism Director Paul Henley’s persistence.
“Paul has worked on it for a long time,” he said. “I understand the Amtrak officials have always been impressed with the location and operation of the depot.”
Hempstead County Economic Development Corp. President Wesley Woodard said the announcement will have ancillary effects.
“It should help us as far as downtown revitalization,” Woodard said. “It may give us a little more exposure; it’s always a plus. It’s also another option for local folks to travel. I see it as a positive all the way around.”