Additional federal funding has been allocated for a proposedBrookhaven multi-modal transportation facility, but some arelooking for answers to questions about the project.

A second $1 million federal appropriation is included in a jointHouse and Senate transportation conference report, congressionalleaders announced Friday. City Engineer Carl Ray Furr discussed thefederal funding and the multi-modal facility Monday during aquarterly Community Elected Officials (CEO) meeting.

“This is a good project,” Furr said in urging continued supportfrom community leaders.

The estimated $3-$5 million facility is designed to house bus,train and other transportation-related activities. Also includedare plans for a museum, restaurant and possible retailestablishments.

An initial $1 million appropriation was for design, siteacquisition in the North Railroad Avenue area and other preliminaryneeds. The second $1 million is for the first phase ofconstruction, Furr said.

Furr was optimistic about being able to secure additionalfunding later to complete the project. He said the facility wouldbe important in improving community appearance and in thecommunity’s arts school efforts.

Chandler Russ, executive vice-president of theBrookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, said the facilityplans had been discussed at some chamber meetings and members hadsome unanswered questions. Those included the local match portionof funding and the estimated long-term operational costs when thefacility is completed.

“I think that’s some of the issues that need to be addressedfrom that side,” Russ said.

Regarding local costs, Furr said the funds are available on an80 percent federal-20 percent local basis. He said local 20 percentcould be in in-kind assistance.

An idea on operational costs, Furr said, could be sought fromMeridian, which already has a multi-modal facility in place.Brookhaven’s facility would be the fourth in the state, Furrsaid.

Following the CEO meeting, Furr and Russ discussed having ameeting the architect Michael Barranco and others to discuss theproject. Furr suggested the meeting for January or February.

“We’ll answer all the questions and go from there,” Furrsaid.