EDC approves $10,500 for Dickinson Depot repairs following safety concerns

The Dickinson Economic Development Corporation approved a $10,500 award to Keep Dickinson Beautiful to make immediate safety repairs at the Dickinson Railroad Depot and adjacent museum, citing deteriorated wood and unsafe handrails and ramps.

Julie Masters, speaking for Keep Dickinson Beautiful and local volunteers, told the board the depot has “a lot of rotten wood that really needs to be addressed. It's a safety issue.” Her presentation described wobbling handrails, rotted ramp boards and interior ceiling leaks caused in part by an aging building envelope; she said some interior insulation work had recently been paid for by the historical society.

Board members and city staff discussed the scope and the long‑term maintenance implications. A city public‑works representative noted past oversight had been limited and that liability concerns make prompt repairs important if public events are to resume. Staff noted that the roof installed in 2011 remains serviceable but that the ramp and railing repairs would remove a present safety hazard and could allow rental and program use pending city approval.

Motion and vote: the board approved $10,500 from the EDC’s current budget to Keep Dickinson Beautiful for the work; staff said they would administratively reallocate funds within the approved budget and oversee contract payment. The award was presented as an urgent, targeted repair to reduce immediate safety risk; board members asked staff to work with the city to establish responsibilities and a longer‑term maintenance plan.

Keep Dickinson Beautiful said the repairs will also make the venue suitable again for small events that previously drew hundreds of participants and that the group continues to seek grants for larger renovation work. The organization also noted an upcoming tree‑planting event on Nov. 8 tied to a separate grant program.